This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
Kenya's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a new turn with the European Union (EU) launching a food safety campaign in 15 counties.
The campaign, which started two weeks ago, aims to inform various stakeholders on food safety issues amid the pandemic.
According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido), the campaign has already reached out to over 1.2 million people on Twitter alone, while more are being reached out through other channels.
The campaign targets food handlers including farmers, transporters, traders, and consumers, and aims to enhance market competitiveness and food safety across various value chains.
Among the counties that have received the posters are Nakuru, Mombasa, Nairobi, Siaya, and Bungoma, with the aim of reaching over 200,000 people.
Speaking in Nakuru, the county's acting Director of Trade Dorcas Njeri said distribution of the posters would start immediately, especially in Afraha Annex and Rhoda markets, which are the largest and busiest.
"Covid-19 has largely affected economies of trade and social activities and is also a threat to food safety, thus these posters bear timely messages," said Ms Njeri.
Traders in Nakuru welcomed the move, saying they were tired of talking to their clients about keeping safe.
"At least now I will not have to keep on shouting to my customers to keep a safe distance," said Cecilia Thuita, an onions and tomatoes dealer.
