This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
On April 23, 2020, Mombasa County declared its readiness for a total lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The county's Emergency Committee, co-chaired by Governor Hassan Ali Joho and County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo, has taken measures to contain the spread of the disease.
As part of these efforts, the county has rolled out a relief food distribution program to provide essential items to over 227,000 vulnerable residents. The package includes food, sanitary, and medical provisions, such as rice, maize flour, sugar, salt, multipurpose bar soaps, sanitary towels, and paracetamol.
Speaking during the flagging-off of the relief food distribution, Governor Joho emphasized the importance of taking the COVID-19 disease seriously. He urged residents to follow international news and understand the severity of the pandemic, which has resulted in mass graves of up to 60 people in some areas.
"Important people left their businesses and work to sit in meetings figuring out how to provide food for you in Mombasa yet you are being forced to take care of yourselves," Governor Joho lamented.
The county has also warned residents to heed government directives on social distancing, handwashing, and self-isolation. Security agencies are on high alert to enforce these measures, and security will be beefed up in areas deemed necessary.
