KEPSA Proposes Tougher Measures to Curb Covid-19 New Strain

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has urged the government to review curfew hours from 10 PM- 4 AM to 9 PM- 4 AM, among other recommendations aimed at stopping the third Corona Virus wave. The measures issued are to be implemented in the next 3 weeks.

According to KEPSA, the proposed measures are due to the rise in Covid-19 cases over the last few weeks.

“The private sector also wishes to state categorically and without hesitation its support for the ongoing vaccination campaign. We must not only vaccinate our people; we must also intensify this campaign to ensure all Kenyans who want to be vaccinated are vaccinated by July 31, 2021,” Read the statement signed by Carol Karuga.

The sector proposed that only companies dealing with night deliveries, operating night shifts and other essential services should be excepted from the 9 PM -4 AM curfew for the next 3 weeks.

In other measures, KEPSA proposed the reduction in the number of funeral attendants to below 15 from the current 100. The entity also called for the reduction of the number of people attending physical meetings. Also, the private alliance wants the government to put forward restrictive policies that will reduce cross-border spread.

KEPSA has also asked the government to instill a massive vaccine roll-out plan as well as ensure the bringing in of more vaccines by the private sector, saying the move “will increase public confidence and increase vaccine uptake,” adding that, “private sector leaders above 50 years are ready to get vaccinated publicly to create more awareness on vaccination.”

Further, the state was urged to increase the number of ventilators, field hospitals to boost the capacity of health facilities which is still the same as it was at the beginning.

The sector proposed that public health insurers, NHIF, expedite the accreditation, contracting capitation, pre-authorization, and claims turnaround processes. This will create capacity at primary health facilities to provide other medical services hence continuity of care as we manage COVID-19 cases in the designated treatment and isolation centers, Faith based and Rural hospitals are most affected by the NHIF delays.

The sector encouraged youth sensitization through media and Mkenya Daima, a creative sector-led campaign. In conclusion, it proposed a roll-out campaign on immune-boosting measures such as increased intake of foods rich in Vitamin  C, Vitamin D and Zinc.

By Lilian Waeni