Experts Urge Kenyans in Border Areas to Resume Wearing Masks

Health experts in Busia County have urged residents, especially those living near the Kenya-Uganda border, to start wearing face masks again.

The appeal comes as the government officially begins a 10-day Mpox vaccination exercise aimed at protecting high-risk groups from the fast-spreading disease.

The vaccination campaign has been launched in response to growing concern over the rise in Mpox infections, particularly in cross-border regions where movement is high.

Officials say the main focus of the program will be on young people, long-distance drivers, and health workers, who are considered the most vulnerable due to their frequent contact with different communities.

Speaking during the launch, Mpox vaccination officer Joan Wanyanga revealed that surveillance and health screenings are already underway at all entry points.

She explained that Uganda, which shares the border with Busia, had already rolled out its vaccination exercise two to three days earlier and set up vaccination centers to contain the disease.

“We must go back to the basics. That means washing our hands regularly, using sanitisers, and wearing face masks, especially in crowded areas. These simple steps will help us stop the spread of this infection,” she said.

Busia County has so far recorded 68 cases of Mpox, with two confirmed deaths. The county government plans to vaccinate more than 3,000 people during the campaign, with about 1,500 doses allocated to residents of Matayos constituency, which lies close to the border. Vaccinations will also be carried out in Teso North, another high-risk area.

However, the vaccination exercise has not been welcomed without questions. Members of the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) expressed concerns, saying the government rushed to introduce the vaccine without giving enough public education on its safety and effectiveness. This, they argued, has led to doubts and fear among many drivers.

On the other hand, a number of youths and some drivers praised the exercise, noting that health officials had already conducted education programs to sensitize people about the vaccine. They argued that vaccination is a necessary step to reduce infections and protect families and communities.

Residents also called on the county government to take stronger action to ensure cleanliness in public spaces, particularly in hotels, lodgings, and eateries. They pointed out that unhygienic business practices could worsen the spread of Mpox if not properly managed.

“We are asking the Ministry of Health to pay close attention to people working in hotels and lodgings. They should be monitored to make sure cleaning is done thoroughly because these are the areas that can easily spread the disease,” one resident emphasized.

The county government has urged drivers, residents, and all those at risk to come forward and get vaccinated. Officials insist that protecting the community depends on a joint effort, where everyone plays their part in keeping Busia safe from the outbreak.

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