This archive report was first published on 20 April 2020.
With the government requiring Kenyans to wear masks at all times, a thriving black market for used face masks has emerged in Nairobi's CBD.
Images and videos have revealed the shocking practice of people collecting used surgical masks, washing them, and reselling them as new to unsuspecting members of the public.
According to a video, a man in Makadara was seen washing and hanging dozens of used one-time use surgical masks in the bush along a river, while another picture showed women washing the same type of masks using toothbrushes to prevent them from ripping apart.
Ministry of Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Mercy Mwangagi has condemned the practice, calling it unacceptable and criminal.
"We are going to be rolling out guidelines on the disposal of facemasks and we shall crack the whip on anyone found endangering the lives of fellow Kenyans for selfish gains," Dr. Mwangagi said.
The government has put in place measures to ensure that the police, the Kenya Bureau of Statistics (KEBS), and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) work together to control the mask issue.
However, despite these efforts, the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase, with Kenya reporting a total of 270 infections and 14 deaths as of April 20, 2020.
