Kajiado County Government has received a boost in the battle against the spread of the Corona virus after a Non-Governmental Organization, Direct Aid Africa, donated 50 water tanks.
The Organization’s County Coordinator, Ibrahim Hassan said the donation was to compliment the county government’s effort in the fight against the virus.
Hassan noted that many public areas in the County like markets, bus stops and estates do not have adequate water points thus the tanks would ensure that all persons accessing those places have access to running water for hand washing.
He called upon residents of Kajiado to follow the Ministry of Health guidelines such as regular hand washing with soap, observing social distance and wearing of masks in public to curb the spread of the virus.
“It is important to continue observing the Ministry of Health guidelines to stop the spread of coronavirus. These tanks will ensure that all persons have access to running water which they can use to wash their hands with soap thus reduce the risk of infection,” said Hassan.
The coordinator revealed that over 200 vulnerable families in Kajiado Central had received food items to cushion them during the hard economic times brought about by the pandemic.
He further cautioned the Muslim community to adhere to the Government’s directives in the battle against Covid -19 as they observe the final days of Ramadhan and as they wait to mark Idd ul Fitr.
“I want to urge the Muslim community to continue observing social distance even as we wait to mark Idd Ul Fitr. This year it will be different as mosques are closed due to the virus and even as we celebrate at home let’s remember to follow all guidelines to avoid getting infected,” said Hassan.
According to the Chairman of the Kajiado County Emergency Committee, Daniel Kanchori, the water tanks will go a long way in reducing the spread of the virus especially in highly populated areas in the County.
Kanchori said the tanks will be distributed to Namanga, Ngong, Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, Kiserian, Isinya and Kajiado town which are considered as hotspot areas and they will be set up at the entrance of markets, bus stops, estates, Jua kali areas and at the One Stop Border Post in Namanga.
Kanchori further called upon corporates and well-wishers to join the cause and chip in by distributing food aid to vulnerable families and other items to cushion them from the effects of the global pandemic.
“The virus has greatly affected the livelihoods of most residents especially pastoralists as livestock markets have been closed. I want to urge corporates operating in the county to exercise Corporate Social Responsibility and help distribute food aid to those affected,” he said.
Leonard Munyeke, a mechanic at the Jua kali Workshop in Kajiado town welcomed the move to set up a washing point at the workshop stating that it will help stop the spread of the virus.
Munyeke noted that many people access the area in a day and the tanks which are operated using a leg to release water will ensure that there is minimal contact thus reducing the risk of transmission.
“The tanks will enable us undertake our duties without fear of contracting the disease and the best part is that they are automatically operated by the leg to release water flow therefore it reduces the risk of transmitting the virus further because there is no physical contact,” Munyeke added.
Kajiado County has so far recorded 46 Covid -19 positive cases.
The County Executive Member in charge of Health, Esther Somoire in a statement noted that there was high community transmission at the border points of Namanga and Loitokitok and urged residents of those areas to be extra vigilant, exercise extreme caution and observe the Covid-19 protocol guidelines given by Government.
By Rop Janet
