Kenyans seeking in person government services will now be required to show proof of full vaccination beginning December 21.
The services will include KRA services, education, immigration, hospital and prison visitations, NTSA and port services.
The measures were announced by the Health ministry to boost uptake of Covid-19 vaccines in the country.
The ministry on Sunday announced that Kenyans will also be required to provide proof of full vaccination when seeking transport services including domestic flights, the SGR and when boarding matatus and buses.
Similarly, drivers, conductors, boda boda riders, pilots and cabin crew will be required to be fully vaccinated and carry proof of vaccination at all times.
“We are also appealing to the interfaith council to meet and address this matter in their own way, in a manner that we have asked them to coordinate so that they can also form an integral part in this exercise,” Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said.
“In public spaces, you must show proof for admission into national parks and game reserves, hotels, bars and restaurants,” he added.
The measures will also require all businesses including small and medium enterprises with more than 50 people a day to put up signage requiring proof of vaccination before entry into the premises.
The patrons of these establishments be required to be fully vaccinated.
“Nobody said it is mandatory, if you don’t want services in the Ministry of Health don’t come. Nobody is saying that you must be vaccinated, absolutely not.
“All I am saying is that if you want to come to my office and I have been fully vaccinated and you don’t want to try the phone when everyone else is fully vaccinated, it is not fair,” the CS said.
According to the new directives, all indoor gatherings will be limited to two thirds capacity with proof of Covid-19 vaccination of all attendance.
Visitors or tourists from the European region must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination before entry.
"We have seen what is happening in Europe and we want to be compliant with the international community so that we have a safe population,” Tourism CS Najib Balala said.
The CS advised all those travelling to be wary of Covid-19 symptoms and seek medical care immediately to protect their loved ones.
The raft of measures comes amid rising Covid-19 cases in Europe with data from the World Health Organisation showing that the region had reported more than two million Covid-19 case in the previous week.
“At a later stage we will review the issue of requirement of PCR testing especially for travellers and if you fail there will be a penalty on the facility and the individuals,” Balala said.
Governments are debating on whether to impose restrictions ahead of the festive season with some such as Austria going back to lockdowns.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
