Two women have been placed under forced quarantine at the Kenya Medical Training Institute (KMTC) in Msambweni Sub County, Kwale County, after they were found to have crossed into Kenya from Tanzania. This comes in the wake of the Kenyan government's directive to cease movement in three coastal counties—Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale—effective from Wednesday last week. The measure was implemented to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been a growing concern in the region.
Lunga Lunga Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Josphat Biwot confirmed the arrest of the two women, who are Kenyan nationals aged between 26 and 50 years. They reportedly traveled from Tanzania and re-entered Kenya on April 10 and 11, 2020, in violation of the movement restrictions. The women were apprehended by a joint effort of Kenyan and Tanzanian security personnel at the border. Following their arrest, the COVID-19 monitoring team in Lunga Lunga was alerted, and the women were subsequently escorted to Msambweni KMTC, where they will undergo a mandatory two-week quarantine period for observation and examination.
In response to the incident, DCC Biwot emphasized the collaborative efforts between Kenyan and Tanzanian security agencies to close all unofficial routes that individuals might use to bypass the government-imposed travel restrictions. This initiative aims to prevent further illegal crossings that could potentially increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Furthermore, Biwot highlighted the involvement of the Nyumba Kumi initiative, a community policing strategy, in the fight against the pandemic. The initiative is being utilized to monitor and report individuals who attempt to cross the border illegally, as well as those with recent travel histories. This information is crucial for authorities to take appropriate actions to prevent the spread of the virus.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in Kenya, Kwale County has reported one positive case, involving a foreign national who was later evacuated to his home country. The county's authorities remain vigilant in enforcing health protocols and ensuring compliance with national directives to safeguard public health.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has consistently urged citizens to adhere to the government's guidelines and cooperate with health officials to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. The situation underscores the importance of regional cooperation and community involvement in managing the public health crisis effectively.
