Surveillance has been enhanced along the border with neighbouring countries on Lake Victoria as the government steps up efforts to contain the movement of people as a Covid-19 containment measure.
The Nyanza Regional Commissioner (RC), James Kianda says as part of the measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, multi-agency teams comprising national and county government agencies have enhanced patrols on the Lake to intercept any illegal boats that may attempt to cross into the country illegally.
Speaking on Wednesday at his office in Kisumu after disseminating Presidential 8- point economic stimulus programme, the RC said coast guides have also been incorporated in the exercise to ensure compliance.
Kianda said following fruitful discussions between Kenyan and Tanzanian officials led by respective transport Cabinet Secretaries, truck drivers intending to travel across the border must ensure they undergo medical tests against Covid-19 and obtain a certificate.
“We appeal to truck drivers make prior arrangements for the medical tests before embarking on the journey and the certificates are valid for 14 days,” he added.
On the Presidential stimulus package, Mr. Kianda said Kisumu County enlisted 2,300 youth for the Kazi Mtaani initiative, with each being paid 650 shillings for 22 days.
He said the programme had helped cushion youth in informal settlements against the pandemic adding that the national government intends to roll out phase two of the programme in due course.
On support of vulnerable families, Kianda said already 28,371 households in informal settlements in the Nyanza region are benefiting from Cash Transfer Programme and getting a weekly stipend of one thousand shillings.
The RC said the national government intends to expand the programme to cover a total of 127,456 households in the Nyanza region, with those expected to be cushioned, including the People living with disabilities, HIV- Positive, orphaned children and those suffering from pre-existing conditions.
“We are targeting the most vulnerable, including those affected by floods in Kisumu and Nyando and are not benefiting from any other government support,” he added.
Kianda directed hoteliers to ensure they comply with the Ministry of Health guidelines in reopening of eateries, warning that those found contravening the protocols will face the full force of the law.
He appealed for support from the residents, adding that those found flouting Covid-19 regulations, including not be spared.
“We have made several arrests among them 8 people who have been caught traveling from counties put under partial lockdown and 15 people for failing to observe curfew hours.
By George Kaiga
