The government gazetted hefty fines for Kenyans, including parting with Ksh 20,000 or facing imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both if found breaking directives issued in line with the Public Health Act.
On Monday, April 6, Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 41 detailed that among the offences liable for the penalties included not wearing a mask while using public or private transport and failure to maintain social distance. The Gazette was signed off by Health CS Mutahi Kagwe.
"Users of public or private transport and public transport operators shall wear a proper mask that must cover the person’s mouth and nose.
"Every person who is in a public place during the restriction period (21 Days lockdown in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi Counties), shall maintain a physical distance of no less than one metre from the next person; and use a proper face mask that must cover the person’s mouth and nose. A person who contravenes these sub-rules commits an offence," an excerpt of the Gazette reads.
Among other directives issued were that every organisation, business entity, trader or vendor whether in a market or enclosed premises shall 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.
They shall also put in place measures to ensure that physical distance of no less than one metre is maintained between persons accessing or within their premises or business location and regularly sanitize their premises or business location.
In the case of funerals, attendance at the funeral shall be limited to fifteen people and night vigils shall not be held.
The Gazette also reiterated President Uhuru Kenyatta's restriction of movement in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi Counties for 21 days with those allowed to move in and out required to do so under strict regulations.
Motorcycles shall carry only one passenger or goods, bicycles shall carry only the rider and private vehicles shall not carry more than 50% of the licensed capacity.
In case of death of a patient, the body shall be interred or cremated within forty-eight hours from the time of death.
The fine is, therefore, imposed on anyone who breaks directives issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Health CS Mutahi Kagwe in their subsequent bulletins.
