This archive report was first published on 20 July 2020.
Kenya's truck drivers have been facing a long-standing challenge in obtaining their Covid-19 test results, with many having to spend hours queuing on the highway to collect their results. However, this is set to change with the introduction of a mobile app that will enable the online transmission of Covid-19 test results.
According to sources, the app is set to be rolled out in the next two weeks and will have a regional electronic cargo driver tracking system that will enable the tracking of individual truck drivers' Covid-19 status.
Truck drivers who spoke to the Kenya News Agency (KNA) on Sunday welcomed the decision, saying it was long overdue. They expressed their eagerness to download the app, which they believe will greatly minimize the time they waste visiting Covid-19 test centres to check on their results.
Mark Kibet, a truck driver who transports cargo between Mombasa and Tororo-Uganda, said: 'We are eagerly waiting for the app. It will greatly minimize the time we waste visiting the Covid-19 test centres to check on our results.'
Another truck driver, Peter Muraya, who transports cargo between Mombasa and Kampala-Uganda, said the app will also reduce the transmission of Coronavirus. 'With the hard copy certificates, it is possible to transmit the virus from one person to the other as we keep on handing them to police officers and other officials along the road oblivious of their Corona virus status,' he said.
The European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Simon Mordue, made the intent to introduce the app public on Friday when he toured the Busia One Stop Border Post accompanied by the Health CAS, Dr. Rashid Aman, and the East African Community Principal Secretary, Kevit Desai.
