KWS steps up COVID-19 measures in national parks, reserves

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has stepped up measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in national parks and reserve in line with the 15th presidential address on the pandemic.

In the presidential address, the counties of Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Kiambu and Nakuru were classified as disease infected areas.

Consequently KWS has instituted additional measures in the parks and reserves that fall in these counties.

“KWS wishes to inform members of the public that all national parks, reserves and sanctuaries remain open from 6am, with an adjusted closing time of 5pm with strict observance of Ministry of Health COVID-19 protocols. In addition, parks reserves and sanctuaries that fall in these counties will close all picnic sites and other sites where visitors have a tendency to congregate,” the agency said in a statement on Wednesday.

KWS said parks, reserves and sanctuaries in all other counties remain open but the service will continue to enforce the set Covid-19 protocols.

“It’s mandatory to wear masks, keep social distance, wash hands with soap and running water, or using a sanitizer at all our facilities,” the statement adds.