This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
Kenya's porous borders have been a concern, especially with the recent surge in imported Covid-19 cases from neighboring countries like Tanzania and Somalia.
On Saturday, May 9, 2020, authorities in Migori County made a significant breakthrough in their efforts to curb the smuggling of foreigners into the country.
A man claiming to be a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officer was arrested in Isibania, Migori County, for his involvement in the smuggling of Tanzanians into Kenya.
According to reports, the suspect used his fake KRA uniform to facilitate the smuggling of Tanzanians into the country.
As part of the crackdown, one of four mechanics who had crossed into Kenya illegally was arrested and placed under quarantine, while the other three managed to escape.
As of Saturday, May 9, Migori County had recorded seven Coronavirus cases, all of which were imported from Tanzania.
Migori Governor Okoth Obado has called on the government to set up a Covid-19 testing point in the county to ease the process at the border.
"We have intensified border patrol to ensure illegal persons are arrested, we are now calling on the National Government to set up a Covid-19 testing facility at the Isibania border to ease the process at the border," said Obado.
The Ministry of Health has also expressed concern over the rising numbers of imported Covid-19 cases, with Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Rashid Aman noting that the ministry was on high alert.
"It does concern us that we are beginning to see the numbers within some of these border counties of ours like Migori and Kajiado slowly rising and in it is a matter of concern," said Aman.
"We need to be able to strengthen and control those coming in, if they are truckers, then we need to be able to test them," he added.
As the situation continues to unfold, the government is working closely with neighboring countries to address the issue of Covid-19 and border security.
