This archive report was first published on 4 July 2020.
On July 4, 2020, Kenya's Acting Health Director General Patrick Amoth spoke out against the use of sanitization booths installed in various parts of the country, stating that they are neither safe nor effective in combating the spread of coronavirus.
According to Amoth, the chemicals used in the booths, such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide, can expose people to severe respiratory conditions, including respiratory failure and even death, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
He also warned that the chemicals can cause skin irritation, leading to dermatitis and eye irritation.
Amoth's remarks come months after several government departments, including the police and transport, sanctioned the installation of the booths in public spaces, including railway termini and police stations.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia had previously directed Kenya Railways to install disinfectant tunnels in all their stations, citing their ability to produce modern and automated machines with sensors to ensure effective sanitization.
However, Amoth clarified that the booths do not hinder the spread of the virus, which is primarily carried and transmitted through droplets.
As a result, the government has advised county governments to pull down disinfection booths installed in various public spaces, citing a lack of value in their use.
