Tourism players at the Coast have launched a mobile application that will provide timely, credible and verifiable information on Covid-19 pandemic to locals and foreign tourists.
The more than 4000 hotel workers in the South and North Coast hotels will not be allowed to work in the industry without a professional certificate generated from the MTALII COVID APP.
Kenya Association of hotel keepers and caterers Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sam Ikwaye said it will be mandatory for the workers to download the application on their mobile phones and undertake self-evaluation tests on Covid-19.
“We call upon all frontline staff to adhere to the safety protocols and always remember that each one of them has a role to play in managing the spread of the virus,” said Dr Ikwaye.
He stated that the new technology funded by German government International Corporation will enhance customer confidence in the safety of the country as a key global tourism destination.
The workers are also required to update their employees on their COVID-19 status before they are allowed to report to work and those with symptoms will receive appropriate medical advice on their phones.
“The app will also generate certificates for professional hotel workers to undertake a course and the certificate will be generated through the App and presented to employers as proof and cleared to work in the sector,” added Dr Peter Oguto, a cardiac surgeon, one of the app developers.
Dr Ogutu said the app was part of the German agency’s call for an innovation that will fast tract dissemination of knowledge and education on Covid-19 in developing countries.
He said the app is aimed at providing users with daily notifications on safety protocols, timely updates and essential services.
Upon receiving such a notification, users would be prompted to take appropriate actions as per health and safety guidelines and users can also access real time covid-19 updates from authoritative sources.
The App was launched on Friday at Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho’s offices by hoteliers and the county public health senior officers.
Speakers during the event observed that the pandemic has had a profound impact on tourism and hospitality in the country.
They stated that the unveiling of the mobile phone application is part of mitigation measures mooted by the industry stakeholders, county and national government to support its recovery.
“One of the missing links towards this goal is lack of accurate and up-to-date information about Covid-19 to most front line staff, “observed the County Public Health Chief Officer, Pauline Oginga.
She added that over 10,000 people in the county depend on the industry and public health officers will work tirelessly to ensure the industry survive the pandemic through periodic inspection of all facilities to ensure strict compliance of protocols both by the county and national government.
“We have also received plenty of vaccinations. We call upon hoteliers to ensure all of their staff are fully vaccinated,” she added.
By Galgalo Bocha
