This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, the Kenyan government has taken a stricter stance on face mask enforcement.
On May 15, 2020, Head of Police Operations Henry Barmao issued a circular instructing field officers to file daily cases of individuals who fail to wear masks or wear them improperly.
According to the circular, officers are to immediately arrest members of the public who do not wear masks or wear them without covering their mouth and nose.
The same instructions apply to those found flouting curfew and the partial lockdown.
"Similarly, mount roadblocks to ensure no movement of vehicles and persons after the commencement of 7pm curfew hours, except those exempted and listed as essential service providers. All vehicles and persons found violating the orders to be detained and charged with contravening curfew orders. Submit daily returns on the same," Barmao said.
These measures are in addition to the government's existing law, which imposes a fine of Sh20,000 and a jail term of six months, or both, for anyone found not wearing a mask in public as a preventative measure against the spread of the pandemic.
