Well-wishers interested in donating relief food and other charitable items to Nairobi residents have been asked to liaise with the National Emergency Fund and the national government administration to avoid overcrowding at distribution centres.
Nairobi Regional Commissioner Wilson Njega faulted claims in the social media that individual people have been denied an opportunity to donate foodstuffs to the needy, saying that the distribution modalities in place is aimed at avoiding the spread of the disease.
“All Kenyans and well-wishers are encouraged to donate food and other items required by the needy in society during this period of Covid-19 pandemic, but those wishing to do so must follow the laid down procedure so that the items can reach beneficiaries in a manner that will meet the requirement of social distancing,” said Njega.
The administrator who was flanked by the Nairobi County Police Commander Phillip Ndolo and the Nairobi County Commissioner Flora Mworoa during a press briefing at his Nyayo House Boardroom, announced that the Emergency Fund and the National Administration is ready to receive donations from individuals, Non-governmental Organisations and well-wishers.
Njega said some Non-governmental organisations have adopted the voucher system to distribute food.
He at the same time said the Regional Security and Intelligence Committee will continue to enforce the curfew, ministry of health regulations and the metropolitan area regulations to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease in the region.
Njega said Nairobi region is leading in the number of confirmed Covid -19 cases with 128, noting that the security team will be firm in enforcing social distancing, wearing of facemasks and compliance to the curfew period.
“We have a pocket of people who are not abiding by the rules, especially bodaboda riders who are reluctant to adhere to the requirement of wearing masks when in public places,” warned the RC.
He at the same time cautioned bar proprietors and restaurant owners who have been disregarding the law and allowing members of the public into their premises and reiterated that restaurants are only required to sell take away food, while bars are supposed to be closed.
Njega singled out Kilimani, Kasarani, Kayole and Buruburu as the notorious areas where people are defying the order, and told the public to stay at home for their own good.
“We will not allow people to have wedding gatherings and parties in their homes. Anyone found will be deemed to have interacted with those infected with the coronavirus and will be quarantined for 14 days at their own cost,” cautioned the RC.
He confirmed that police officers last Friday arrested 1,055 people who had defied the curfew order, some of who were released on bond, others were arraigned in court while 506 have been placed in forced quarantine.
Nairobi Police Commander Ndolo said security personnel have enhanced patrols to crackdown on bodaboda riders assisting individuals violating the containment regulations by ferrying passengers alighting from roadblocks and transporting them to the neighbouring counties.
By Bernadette Khaduli
