• Let ignorance not lead us to perish but be cautious during this festive season and practice adherence to the Government containment and road safety measures.
The 2020 X-mass season unlike previous ones; remains unique; It is happening within a background when the Nation is grappling with a myriad of tough socio-economic and political challenges at the forefront being the continued covid-19 infections, spread and its devastating impact in diversity.
Containment and restrictive measures including lockdowns and curfews have been in place since the first case of the virus was reported in the country in March this year. Traditionally X-mass season is always full of merry-making and holidaying with mass travels between inter-cities and upcountry.
We are witnessing heavy traffic jams on our roads with many people travelling from the cities for fear of another lockdown declaration.
It is important to remind ourselves that as the world and the country is edging closer towards finding a lasting solution to the Covid-19 virus, this will be a process.
As we celebrate and merry-make let us remain aware that the virus has penetrated into the communities and its main mode of transmission is through contact movement.
Be aware of the current challenges the country and county governments are witnessing, including but not limited to the striking health workers, inability by a majority of the counties to handle Covid-19 emergencies and cases, the constraints of the learning institutions in readiness to reopening of schools.
It is key to note, a majority of Governors had preferred inter-county travel bans to tame the infection and spread of the disease.
Security is of great concern too. This is a time that many people are bound to hold gatherings publicly or discretely even though banned by the Government. History has shown that extremists take advantage of such seasons to strike.
As a nation we are not immune to this, especially at this time when the Diplomatic ties between Kenya and Somali are in limbo, in the very recent past we have had terror attacks along our borders, reports of terror-cell groups emerging in several counties, top Al Shabaab terrorist seeking refuge in Kenya and the government black-listing individuals on the grounds of funding Isis.
The Call by His excellency the President Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta that Kenya will take a lead role in regional counter-terrorism efforts points to the big threat the insurgencies and violent extremists pose in particular at this moment of massive unemployment and vulnerability among the youth due to Covid-19 pandemic effects; job redundancies and business closures.
Whether based on religious, ethnic or political grounds, extremist ideologies glorify the supremacy of a particular group and oppose a more tolerant and inclusive society.
Let ignorance not lead us to perish but be cautious during this festive season and practice adherence to the Government containment and road safety measures.
Dennis Wendo is the founder/CEO- Integrated Development [email protected]