This archive report was first published on 19 July 2020.
Kenya's Covid-19 Response: A Mixed Bag ¶
President Uhuru Kenyatta lifted travel restrictions two weeks ago, urging Kenyans to take responsibility for their actions. However, the health guidelines issued by the government are being flouted almost everywhere.
Residents in Siaya and Kisumu counties were observed without face masks in public. Public service vehicles were seen seating four passengers in a row, as usual. A 14-seater matatu carried 16 passengers - twice the recommended number.
"Hizo rules zinatumika na watu wa Nairobi sio hapa, kama hutaki kukaa na abiria mwingine shuka ama ulipie hiyo kiti extra," a conductor in a matatu said. He meant that the Covid-19 rules do not apply there and was supported by passengers who insulted a young man who had refused to share his seat.
"Kama hutaki kukaa na wenzako nunua gari yako," one passenger said.
Markets in Siaya County, such as Akala, were also found to be largely mask-free. When a person wore a mask, they were branded a Nairobian. One trader said, "They (Nairobians) are the ones bringing this disease to the village. We lived in peace before the country was opened."
Businesses, including supermarkets and shops, did not have water dispensers at the entrance, and people shopped without masks. The same scenario was observed in Homa Bay, Siaya, and Kisumu counties.
At the border with Uganda in Busia, there were no stops for tests, and people freely moved between the countries.
Published on July 19, 2020
