Kenyans Angered By Government’s “No Vaccination, No Services Rule”

The announcement made by CS Mutahi Kagwe on “no vaccination, no services” rule by December 21 2021 has raised concerns among some Kenyans about its implications for personal freedom.

The CS said that all Kenyans will be required to produce proof that they have been vaccinated before they are allowed into basic places such as hotels, bars and restaurants, hospitals, prisons, and Game parks.

“Everybody seeking in-person government services should be fully vaccinated and proof of vaccination availed by Dec. 21, 2021. Such services will include, but are not limited to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) services, education, immigration services, hospital, and prison visitation, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and port services”, said Kagwe.

“Those who have been vaccinated will not risk their lives serving those who have refused to be vaccinated. The key reason why all of us need to be vaccinated is to ensure that we keep the economy going,” he added.

Kagwe further said that all indoor gatherings will be limited to two-thirds capacity with proof of COVID-19 vaccination of all in attendance.

“We have given time for Kenyans to get the vaccine by December 21. As much as we will enforce these measures, accountability on implementing these measures will lie on individuals,” said Kagwe.

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Most Kenyans are now convinced that the 2021 festive season is not going to be just the most expensive Christmas due to the increase in prices of essential food products, but could also turn out to be the worst with the pressure to get vaccinated against covid 19 before Christmas day.

Since many people are planning to travel upcountry for the holiday, the vaccination rule now seems mandatory since they will require basic services from the buses. Other government services such as hospital services makes it a must.

You don’t have any other choice because at one point you must go to the hospital, board a matatu or visit a game park, especially now that festivities are around the corner and kids are home.

While a majority of Kenyans believe that the government directive sounds like empty threats that will never be executed just like the case of Huduma Number early this year.

Some Kenyans have taken to social media to lament about the adverse effects this directive could have on businesses such as the hotel industry that is hoping to recover from a terrible Covid -19 year.

Mutahi Kagwe wants to increase restrictions in the hotel industry in December when people in that industry are hoping that they will at least recover kidogo from a terrible year. Does Mutahi Kagwe want them to go bankrupt in Njaanuary? 🤔

— Nahashon Kimemia (@NahashonKimemia) November 21, 2021

Another question that’s been lingering on their mind is how and why the government keeps on talking about the observation of measures to curb the Covid 19 spread yet politicians have been holding political rallies every day without adhering to any of the Covid-19 protocols.

Does it mean that these rules or protocols, and directives do not apply to them? Others have stated that if the Government has decided so, then the citizens should not vote nor pay taxes to the government.

The majority of the people feel like the spread of Covid-19 had reduced. They claim there is no need of forcing them to take the jab.

CS Kagwe, however, stated that the current decline in the number of new infections may be attributed to a buildup of immunity both through natural exposure to the disease and the ongoing vaccination exercise.

A 10-day mass vaccination campaign will be rolled out from November 26, 2021 to boost the number of inoculated people. Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board has also given emergency authorization for the use of Pfizer’s vaccines on teenagers.

Kenya has reported a total of 254 629 Covid-19 cases and 5 325 deaths since March 2020.

Meanwhile, as you prepare to make your festive season a merry one, don’t forget to go for the jab. Your safety and that of others should come first. Take a personal responsibility to cut the spread of covid 19 during and after  the Christmas festivals.