The government has directed boda boda riders to wear masks and gloves to prevent the deadly coronavirus.
The Trans Nzoia County Commissioner (CC), Samson Ojwang while addressing boda boda representatives in his Board room on Tuesday said that the directive is among the many stringent measures the national government and county government are taking to fight Covid-19 in the region.
Ojwang had earlier met 42 matatu SACCOs representing over 1200 Public Service Vehicles (PSV) that ply different roads in the county.
He asked PSV drivers to give the government guideline on ample social distance the seriousness it deserves and also provide their travellers with sanitizers.
“I am calling on residents if they can to limit travels and stay at home and for public servants to allow staff under you to work from home if possible,” he said.
He also asked transport stakeholders to comply with all the other guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Health, including washing of hands in order to stop spread of the deadly virus.
At the same time, the CC asked boda boda riders to provide hand sanitizers and water for their clients at their designated stages.
On his part, the County Boda boda Chairman, Anthony Ombima asked the CC to enforce ban restricting motorcycles from other sub counties not to enter the town as a way of avoiding congestion in this era of coronavirus.
“As a way of preventing coronavirus and also decongesting the town, boda boda riders from other sub counties should not enter the town,” reiterated Ombima.
The Trans Nzoia County Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit ( CIPU) Commander, John Opiyo said appropriate action will be taken against riders who overload their motorbikes.
He asked them to carry one passenger as a preventive measure of the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, teachers found engaging in private tuition will face the full force of law, according to the CC.
At the same time, the Migori County Commissioner (CC), Joseph Rotich has called on the residents to observe social distancing as a remedy for controlling the spread of covid-19.
Rotich expressed deep concern over the way people were interacting freely while not adhering to one metre distance rule while carrying out their daily duties.
He said the guideline will drastically reduce chances of infection during the daily routine.
The CC revealed that police may be used to disburse crowds of people especially in Migori town for not sticking to the social distance rule.
However, he praised locals for reporting visitors entering the county for mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days.
He said the County Covid-19 Surveillance Team will not allow people travelling to Migori from other countries or other parts of the country to freely interact with the locals, adding that any suspected case should be forced into self-quarantine.
He said the four Chinese nationals forced into quarantine in a Migori hotel have shown negative results though they will be under scrutiny for 14 days.
At the same time, the CC warned bar owners in Migori town for breaking operation hours rule.
He ordered for immediate arrest for who may be found drinking during the restricted hours.
Meanwhile, county health officials have asked members of the public to strictly avoid social gatherings, keep social distancing and always wash hands to keep the virus at bay.
By Pauline Ikanda/Ngeywa Mosobin/Geoffrey Satia
