Kenya Bans Chopping of Vegetables by 'Mama Mbogas' in New Covid-19 Preventive Measures

Kenya’s Health Ministry has published new Covid-19 containment guidelines for business operations as the country prepares to reopen the economy.

Under the fresh rules, vegetable vendors, locally known as ‘mama mbogas’, have been banned from chopping vegetables such as kales and cabbages for their customers. They have been directed to sell fresh food items as a whole to prevent the transmission of the virus. 

Traders are further required to restructure their workplaces in a manner that will ensure social distancing rules are maintained.

Those in the Jua Kali sector must assign artisans individual work stations and tools or fumigate them regularly in case they are shared.

Barbershops, salons and other beauty joints must strictly adhere to social distancing rules as well as limit the number of clients at any given time.

For restaurants and eateries, the new guidelines require them to stagger their shifts and rotate workers to reduce congestion. They have also been advised to arrange alternative transport for employees to reduce public transport use.

The ministry also encouraged all businesses to adopt cashless payments, ensure their shops are well ventilated, and clean surfaces at least thrice daily.

The guidelines are subject to review based on the direction the Covid-19 pandemic takes.

On Tuesday, the number of Covid-19 cases in Kenya rose by 133 to 3,860 while the death toll jumped to 105. 40 more patients recovered, bringing the tally of recoveries to 1,326.