This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
On June 21, 2020, Kwale County launched the National Hygiene Programme, dubbed 'Kazi Mtaani', to improve hygiene conditions in the county. The programme has hired at least 1000 youth to cushion them during the coronavirus pandemic.
The youth are taking part in a clean-up campaign in the sub-counties of Matuga and Msambweni. Kwale County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo, who chairs the Kazi Mtaani county implementation committee, said the initiative is being rolled out in proper health standards and protocols under the supervision of public health officials to limit the risk of infection of the deadly COVID-19 disease.
The activities undertaken by the labourers include street cleaning, fumigation and disinfection, garbage collection, bush clearing, and de-silting of choked gutters in informal settlements. The programme aims to get rid of filth and facilitate healthy community living, thus preventing coronavirus outbreaks in vulnerable areas.
Ngumo asked area residents to continue observing social distancing, regular hand washing, and wearing facemasks among other hygiene measures to avert the spread of the highly infectious respiratory disease. He said, “People should embrace good sanitation, social distancing, and observe other preventative measures outlined by the Ministry of Health to curtail the spread of COVID-19.”
The national programme is being rolled out simultaneously in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kisumu, Kwale, Kilifi, and Mandera counties, which are identified as coronavirus hotspots. Kwale County Executive Committee Member for Public Service Sylvia Chidodo welcomed the extension of the youth programme, saying the youth were doing a commendable job in executing the community projects.
