In its efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, the Kenyan government has signed into law a rule that says individuals who breach the travel, mass gathering and isolation rules will face a fine of up to Sh50,000 or a jail term of up to three years or both in line with the public health law.
After confirming increased cases of the virus, which had more than doubled to 15 with eight positive people captured over the past 72 hours, the government was forced to impose additional restrictions such as cancelling all flights (save for cargo planes) from Wednesday, ordering a shutdown of bars and nightclubs, and restaurants to operate as takeaway units, as well as putting a freeze to churches, weddings and caped funeral gatherings to 15 people.
The government in its social distancing measures said all travellers coming into the country between now and Wednesday will be placed under mandatory quarantine at their expense. While Health Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and Police Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai warned those violating the rules would be prosecuted under the Public Health Act.
The Act has various penalties under the prevention and suppression of infectious diseases such as fines of up to Sh30,000 or a jail term of up to three years or both.
“Those in breach will be arrested and prosecuted in line with provisions of the Public Health Act,” said Kagwe at a televised briefing in Nairobi on Sunday. “Much to our disappointment, the majority of people continue to ignore measures spelled out earlier. If we behave normally, this disease will treat us abnormally.”
More so, he said the rule will apply to Kilifi Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi who refused to self isolate after returning from Germany. He was then arrested and placed under mandatory 14-day quarantine by the government.
Kenya confirmed its first case of the coronavirus on March 13, causing the shilling to weaken to levels last seen since four years ago. Since then, the cases have increased to 15 with the race on to contact 365 individuals who came into contact with those that have tested positive.
This is why the government introduced different measures to ensure that citizens comply with the rules and regulations of the country to hasten the fight against the pandemic, preventing a further spread.
The Act which has been signed empowers authorities to charge individuals who refuse to self-isolate and upon conviction, they will pay Sh30,000 or face a three-year jail term or both. Also, public service vehicle owners who fail to disinfect their vehicles face a Sh 40,000 fine while property owners who let out infected premises will pay Sh80,000 in fines.
Meanwhile, restrictions on foreigners visiting the country, imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19, have posed a big threat to the country’s tourism industry. Some hotels on the coast are reporting occupancy rates of well below 10 percent.
The impact of social distancing and restriction of businesses like schools, bars, and restaurants also have a negative impact on consumer spending, setting the stage for job cuts and unpaid leaves for workers as employers struggle with reduced cash flow.
Despite strict measures by the Kenyan government to fight the pandemic and similar moves by several African leaders, some experts have said people across the continent are yet to take the threat of coronavirus seriously enough. “That’s the danger I’m worried about. We can’t wait for a repeat of what happened in China,” said Oyewale Tomori, a professor of virology and former president of the Nigerian Academy of Science.
By Ahmed Iyanda.
