The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has warned the government against imposing tough Covid-19 vaccination measures, saying the move will incite Kenyans to revolt against the jab.
The doctors’ union argued that the Ministry of Health should have involved other stakeholders, including KMPDU and Kenyans, before making the decision.
Through their secretary-general, Dr Davji Bhimji, the union argued that the move by the Ministry of Health may invite a revolt by Kenyans whose freedom of movement and association will have been infringed upon.
“When MoH makes a unilateral decision without involving other stakeholders, partners and residents, they may end up messing up the entire society,” said Dr Bhimji.
According to him, the government should be prepared to see more Kenyans moving to court due to the tight Covid-19 rules.
"It is time MoH involved KMPDU and other civil societies to educate and empower Kenyans on the need to be vaccinated and make the vaccines readily available," said Dr Bhimji.
"The public must be involved so they get to know the value of vaccination before they are forced into undertaking the practice.”
The union leader also urged the government to create more vaccination sites around entertainment joints, transport and worship places in order to reach its target audience.
"Instead of barring people from accessing the entertainment joints and worship places, why not turn the places into immunisation centres so that those who come unvaccinated can receive the jab?" he posed.
Meanwhile, in Kisumu, mass vaccination started Friday as a measure to ensure more people are inoculated by December 26.
According to the Health and Sanitation Director Frederick Oluoch, government services will only be restricted to those who have received their Covid-19 jab starting from December 26.
"Mass vaccination begins today (Friday) and the eligibility of those who can be vaccinated has been reviewed to persons aged 15 years and above," said Mr Oluoch.
Show proof of vaccination
He further cautioned that residents will be required to show proof of vaccination in order to gain admissions to game parks, game reserves, hotels and restaurants within the county.
The new rule created by the county also requires all bodaboda riders and drivers, air hostesses, among other transport providers, to be vaccinated and always be in possession of their certificates as proof of immunisation.
"In addition to that, all food premises should have a valid food hygiene license in compliance with Covid-19 protocols, small and large scale businesses serving over 50 persons per day should put up signage requiring proof of vaccination before entry into premises," he said.
