Kenyan Govt bans all conferences of international nature with over 15 people

International conferences in Kenya where more than 15 people will gather have been banned.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe made the announcement during a Press briefing on Friday.

“If a conference involves people traveling from Europe, from the rest of the world, in the Middle East and so on, for a meeting of over 15 people, we have asked that it be postponed at least for the next 30 days,” he said.

The CS was categorical that events for Kenyans that don’t involve inviting people from outside the country, and have over 15 people gathering, are to continue as normal.

He gave an example of the Beyond Zero race on Sunday led by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta that he said will go on as planned and other local gatherings around the country.

The CS further noted that the Kenyan Government has issued a travel advisory to all Kenyans to avoid non-essential travel to high-risk countries particularly for meetings where there will be more than 15 people.

He also said the ministry will be sending information to Kenyans through their mobile phones following a partnership with mobile telco Safaricom.

The information will entail what to do to protect yourself from the virus such as avoiding close contact with people showing signs of infection and regularly washing hands.

He however urged Kenyans not to panic but be extra vigilant as the risk of coronavirus is still high. He further emphasized on practicing safe food handling procedures.

All county level 4 and level 5 hospitals will have designated isolation centres, the CS said, adding that over 1100 specially trained health workers have been deployed across the country.

Mr. Kagwe, who recently took over the ministry following a Cabinet reshuffle, said Kenya is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and the East African Community (EAC).