This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
Kenya's Porous Borders the New COVID-19 Frontiers ¶
Kenya's porous borders with Somalia and Tanzania have become the new COVID-19 frontiers, with over 10 cases recorded in the last seven days traced to these countries.
According to the Ministry of Health, all the cases were imported from Somalia, where a surge in infections has seen 835 cases reported by Wednesday.
Wajir, one of the four counties that share the porous border with Somalia, has reported seven active cases despite efforts to boost surveillance on the Somalia border.
The seven individuals had crossed into Somalia to sell camels sourced in Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera.
Wajir Governor Mohamed Abdi said 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," the county boss said.
Similar concerns have been raised in Migori, where the unrestricted movement across the border has made the county vulnerable to coronavirus.
County Commissioner Rhonda Onyancha warned of mandatory quarantine for sugar dealers crossing into Tanzania on motorcycles.
"We have beefed security on the border. Those defying government orders will face the law," she warned.
However, residents in Migori said maintaining strict cross-border surveillance is a herculean task since many Kenyans work in Tanzania.
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.
However, police officers mingled freely with residents who did not have masks and other protective kit.
Report by Fredrick Fadhili, Manase Ostialo, Lucy Mkanyika, Ian Bryon, Shaban Makokha, Bruhan Makong, and Stanley Ngotho.
