Are Kenyans doing enough to help government fight the spread of Covid-19?

Most Kenyans wear face masks and almost every home has improvised water taps that enable them to wash hands more often with soap. 

Many people are working at home, and keeping indoors has minimised movement and interaction, which enhances social distancing.

Business owners strictly observe stipulated guidelines, including designating hand washing points at their premises and limiting the customers who visit their shops to avoid crowding.

But it is worth noting that a lot has to be done in terms of sensitising citizens on the proper use of masks to stay safe.

County governments should consider distributing reusable masks to the people free of charge.

The national government’s gesture to give food and cash assistance to poor families is a major boost to the fight against Covid-19 because beneficiaries will not have to worry about what to eat and be tempted to go out there and risk contracting the virus.

We would like to see a ban on hawking of ‘fake’ masks because the business could negate gains already made by exposing unsuspecting Kenyans who buy such commodities to protect themselves. The quality of masks is key in cushioning people from contracting the virus.

Restricted entry into counties and availability of compulsory screening roadblocks mounted by county governments will help in controlling infections.

 

Mr Libuyi is a community strategic leader