This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
Government to Establish Mobile Covid-19 Lab at Namanga Border ¶
On May 12, 2020, the government announced plans to establish a mobile Covid-19 laboratory at the Namanga border town in Kajiado County, Kenya. The laboratory will be operational within the next 48 hours, ensuring seamless screening and testing of truck drivers and residents.
The Ministry of Health's Ag. Director General, Dr. Patrick Amoth, revealed that the laboratory will have the capacity to conduct up to 600 tests per day, reducing the waiting time for results and enabling truck drivers to proceed to their destinations.
According to Dr. Amoth, the government is committed to curbing cross-country infections, particularly in Kajiado, which is an important corridor for truck drivers entering and exiting the country at the One Stop Border Post from Tanzania.
Truck drivers had previously complained about the slow phase of screening and testing, which forced them to spend over five days at the border town, incurring losses. The new requirements set by the government include taking tests 48 hours before the journey begins and every 14 days, as well as carrying an attestation letter from the Ministry of Health indicating a negative test result.
Charles Mkeke, a Tanzanian truck driver, welcomed the move to establish a mobile laboratory at Namanga, stating that it would speed up the testing and clearance process. He had previously spent six days at the border awaiting testing and results, incurring huge losses.
Dr. Amoth further reiterated the government's plan to reduce the cost of testing among truck drivers from Sh.4, 000 to Sh.1, 000.
The Government Spokesperson, Colonel (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna, emphasized the importance of public sensitization on Coronavirus to curb transmission. He commended the County government of Kajiado for complementing the national government's efforts in curbing the spread of the novel virus.
As of May 12, 2020, the country's Coronavirus positive cases stood at 715, with Kajiado County infections at 17, including 2 recoveries and 0 deaths.
