No Government services if not fully vaccinated, Kagwe says
Kenyans who have not been fully vaccinated against coronavirus will not access in-person services in government offices starting December 21.
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Mutahi Kagwe, warned that those who do not produce a certificate to prove they are fully immunised, will also not access services in government offices.
Kagwe announced the measures as the government moves to reach its target of 10 million fully immunised Kenyans by Christmas Day.
Among the government services that unvaccinated Kenyans will be locked out from include; Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Education, National Transport Service Authority (NTSA), Immigration, hospital and prison visitations and port services among others.
“We have given time for Kenyans to get the vaccine by December 21. As much as we will enforce these measures, accountability on implementing these measures will lie on individuals,” said Kagwe.
The measures have also been extended to National Parks and Game Reserves, Hotels, Bars and Restaurants where Kenyans will show proof of vaccination before admission.
Also travelers from outside the continent will be required to provide proof of vaccination before admission to tourist spots in the country.
“Everybody seeking in-person government services should be fully-vaccinated
and proof of vaccination availed by December 21, 2021,” Kagwe said.
“In order to accelerate vaccination, the ministry in collaboration with county governments and other stakeholders, will be undertaking a 10-day mass vaccination
exercise from November 26 with the aim of administering adequate vaccines to as
many people as possible.” he added.
All motorable operators, that is drivers, conductors, boda boda riders, pilots, air hostesses and all others working in the sector will also be needed to be fully vaccinated and carry proof of vaccination.
The measures in the transport sector will be coordinated by the Ministry of Transport and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Tourism CS Balala said hospitality facilities that will not adhere to the directive on COVID-19 vaccination will be penalised.
“The country has been recording a decreasing number of COVID-19 cases countrywide over the last two months, with the positivity rate over the last 14 days ranging from 0.8 to 2.6 per cent,” noted Balala.
According to the CS, implementation of the containment measures has resulted in a decrease in the number of reported severe cases and deaths.
In order to accelerate vaccination, the Ministry in collaboration with County Governments and other stakeholders will be undertaking a ten-day mass vaccination exercise from November 26 with the aim of administering adequate vaccines to as many people as possible ahead of the deadline.
