CS Kagwe lifts mandatory wearing of face masks in public places

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has announced that Kenyans no longer need to wear masks in public spaces.

CS Kagwe was addressing the country on Friday, March 11, 2022 at the Ministry of Health Headquarters.

"There has been a lot of debate and discussions on the continued use of face masks as one of the containment measures the mandatory wearing of face masks in open public spaces is now lifted," he announced.

The Health CS however encouraged Kenyans to maintain social distancing and avoid croweded places.

Advised that it was important to continue wearing masks during indoor functions, tasking the Interfaith Council to guide their followers on the safety protocols.

His words: "All Kenyans to continue to adhere to social measures, ensure frequent hand washing, sanitising and exercise personal responsibility," he said.

"There has been a lot of debate on facemasks. Wearing of facemasks in open places is now lifted."

Kagwe added that Kenyans should be strict with the ministry of health protocols when in public spaces.

"If you are going to eat in a meat joint, the standards must be high. The sanitation, washing of hands must be top-notch," he said.

"You must also respect the people eating in your joint. You must respect your customers and make sure the restaurant is clean. There will be penalties if that does not happen."

He added that worship places will have a full capacity provided the congregants are vaccinated.

Kenya reported 323, 140 cases of Covid-19 and 5,644 deaths but the inoculation rate remains low, with only 28.5 per cent of the adult population fully vaccinated as of March 10, 2022, according to the latest Ministry of Health figures.