This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
Porous Borders the New Covid-19 Frontiers ¶
Published on May 7, 2020
Kenya's porous borders with Somalia and Tanzania have become the new Covid-19 frontiers, with more than 10 cases in the last seven days linked to the two countries.
The Kenya-Somalia border is particularly challenging, with recent cases in Mandera and Wajir highlighting the need for increased surveillance. Wajir, which reported its first infection five days ago, now has seven active cases, all of which were imported from Somalia.
The seven individuals had crossed into Somalia to sell camels sourced in Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera. The porous border with Somalia makes it difficult for police and immigration officials to man every entry point.
Wajir Governor Mohamed Abdi warned that the county is at risk of recording more coronavirus cases due to the porous border. 'The border with Somalia is the new Covid-19 frontier since our people are mostly herders and traders. They cross into Somalia many times,' he said.
Similar challenges exist at the Kenya-Tanzania border, where cases of people using illegal routes at the Taveta-Holili border are still being reported. Tanzania has reported 500 Covid-19 cases, with Kenyans in the border town expressing fears of infections.
County Commissioner Rhonda Onyancha warned of mandatory quarantine for sugar dealers crossing into Tanzania on motorcycles. 'We have beefed up security on the border. Those defying government orders will face the law,' she warned.
In Migori, the unrestricted movement across the border has made the county vulnerable to coronavirus. Residents said maintaining strict cross-border surveillance is a herculean task since many Kenyans work in Tanzania.
At the Busia border crossing, the Nation team observed some compliance to Covid-19 guidelines, but police officers mingled freely with residents who did not have masks and other protective kit. Two truck drivers were confirmed to be Covid-19 positive.
At Namanga border point in Kajiado, truck drivers from Tanzania are only subjected to temperature checks before they are allowed into Kenya. It is easier to enter Kenya from Tanzania while driving than vice versa.
Traders from both countries were conducting business freely on Wednesday, despite Tanzanians at the market not wearing masks or observing social distance.
Report by Fredrick Fadhili, Manase Ostialo, Lucy Mkanyika, Ian Bryon, Shaban Makokha, Bruhan Makong, and Stanley Ngotho.
