Not wearing a mask will land you in jail, Kagwe warns – KBC

Kenyans risk hefty fines or risk jail term if found not wearing a mask according to the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 41 signed by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.

The new directive aimed at curbing the further spread of Coronavirus/Covid-19 will see Kenyans found violating the Ministry of Health’s order-pay Ksh 20,000 or risk a jail term not exceeding six months.

“A person who commits an offence under these rules shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both,” read part of the gazette notice.

Citizens found not wearing a mask while using a public or private transport and observing social distance of not less than one metre in public places during the restriction period shall be found guilty.

“Users of public or private transport and public transport operators shall wear a proper mask that must cover the person’s mouth and nose and also maintain a physical distance of not less than one metre.”

The new orders from Health CS Mutahi Kagwe will also see organizations business entities, traders or vendors whether in a market or enclosed premises provide at their business location or entrance to their premises, a handwashing station with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer approved for use by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

According to the new rules, burials or cremations of loved ones who die to Coronavirus/Covid-19 will be carried out within 48 hours from the time of death.

The Government has also limited the attendance at the funeral to fifteen people and at the same time banned night vigils held in relation to a funeral.