This archive report was first published on 7 October 2021.
On October 7, 2021, the Kenyan government launched a nationwide vaccination campaign to encourage public transport operators to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
The campaign, which is a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works, aims to save lives and reduce the positivity rate in the public transport sector.
According to the Ministry of Health, the public transport sector is a high-risk area for infection, with approximately 90% of Kenyans using Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) daily.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe thanked the transport sector and stakeholders for their participation and urged all County Governments to emulate the initiative.
"The transport sector should be on the frontline in this fight against Covid-19 because without them, the public is weaker," Kagwe said.
He further urged public transport operators to be their brother's keeper by ensuring their colleagues are vaccinated through a multi-agency approach, which includes the Kenya Red Cross deploying mobile clinics to various bus termini.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia lauded the Ministry of Health for working tirelessly through four Covid-19 waves and managing to deal with the pandemic.
He noted the high risk of infection in the public transport sector and called for the implementation of a cashless system in coordination with the National Transport Safety Authority to reduce the infection rate.
"The Ministry of Health has ensured inclusivity, where no one is left behind and there is no discrimination, whatsoever, through this vaccination campaign," Macharia maintained.
