• Kagwe said people should maintain social distance to ensure the risk of spread is limited.
• He also encouraged the wearing of masks during indoor functions to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Image: MERCY MUMO
On Friday, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe announced that the mandatory wearing of face masks has been lifted.
"There has been a lot of debate on face masks. Wearing of face masks in open places is now lifted," CS Kagwe said.
The announcement received mixed reactions among Kenyans from all walks of life.
Image: MERCY WAIRIMU/SHARON MWENDE
Evelyn Munyenze, a face mask trader at Westlands, Nairobi, did not support the move.
She termed the move as a blow saying she had a huge stock of masks that were yet to be cleared.
However, she urged Kenyans to continue wearing masks saying they are important in certain scenarios.
“Tumezoea kuvaa masks. Hatukua tunazuia covid pekee. Kuna baridi na vumbi.Unaweza ingia kwa gari upate mtu amejipaka perfume mingi, inakuaffect hadi kichwa. Hii mask itakuzuia,” said Munyenze.
Loosely translated to; "We are used to wearing face masks. We were not only protecting ourselves from Covid 19 but also cold and dusts. If you board a vehicle and find a person has used too much perfume, you can get a headache. This mask can save you in search scenarios".
Daniel Kyunga, a small scale businessman in Westlands, said he is worried about his face masks sale following Kagwe's directive.
“I will give the masks out for free to anyone who wants them,” Kyunga said.
He backed the move saying it will save Kenyans from incurring extra costs in their day to day activities.
He exuded confidence in the government's directive saying the announcement must have been informed by proper research and facts.
A boda boda rider Kevin Mutiso, who operates in Westlands, said the new directive is a reprieve.
“Mimi hua inanisumbua, nitaiweka mbali. Saa ambayo ninaona dust nitavaa,” said Mutiso.
Image: MERCY WAIRIMU/SHARON MWENDE
Loosely translated to: "I am always uncomfortable wearing it. I will put it aside now and only wear it when there is dust".
Sammy, a food vendor expressed his joy over the matter.
He said that he was pleased that henceforth, the police will not be conducting arrests based on masks.
“I think it’s a good move. People will not be spending more money on face masks. But I am worried since everyone is not vaccinated and that might prove to be dangerous,” George, a Multimedia student said.
When addressing the media on Friday, Kagwe said that the worship places can now be full to capacity provided the congregants are vaccinated.
Kenya has so far reported 323, 140 cases of Covid-19 and 5,644 deaths.
The inoculation rate remains low, with only 28.5 per cent of the adult population fully vaccinated as of March 10, 2022, according to the latest Ministry of Health figures.
"All Kenyans to continue to adhere to social measures ensure frequent hand washing, sanitising and exercise personal responsibility," said Kagwe.
"However, people should maintain social distancing to ensure the risk of spread is limited," he said.
He encouraged the wearing of masks during indoor functions to curb the spread of the Covid-19 disease.