This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
On April 25, 2020, a new ferry arrived in Kenya, marking a significant step in the government's efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The ferry is part of a broader strategy to ensure adequate social distancing for residents crossing the Likoni Channel.
Transport CS James Macharia announced the arrival of the new ferry during a press briefing at Afya House. He emphasized that the ferry was one of the key interventions put in place to fight against COVID-19.
As part of the measures to enforce social distancing, the government has also reduced the number of employees at the Port of Mombasa from 6,200 to 4,000, with only essential services allowed to load and offload.
Kenya Railways has also purchased an additional 40 commuter coaches to support the social distancing measures. All passengers boarding the commuter trains must pass through disinfecting tunnels at the vicinity, and everyone using the train must follow measures at the Railway Station, according to CS Macharia.
Furthermore, the government has implemented measures to safeguard about 350,000 jobs in the horticulture sector. To achieve this, the government has boosted the export of horticultural produce by adding 12 other airlines to complement the two freighters owned by Kenya Airways.
Additionally, all truck drivers are required to be tested before moving to neighboring countries, and truck drivers entering the country must provide certificates indicating that they have been tested.
