Kenyans reject mass testing programme

The Kenyan government attempted to roll out its new mass testing programme for Covid-19 in Nairobi over the weekend but met with resistance from the general public.

The health ministry said they were hoping to test thousands of people every day at two testing sites in the capital, but only hundreds showed up.

A number of locals told various media outlets they feared showing symptoms at the testing site and being taken to a quarantine centre, where they would incur costs to remain.

Rashid Aman, an official from the health ministry, tried to assure people, explaining the tests were completely free of charge.

He also defended the infamous quarantine centres, saying it was extremely important for people to isolate themselves and not spread the virus further.

Some Kenyan legislators have called for door-to-door testing, while others say the government will only succeed in mass testing if they pay for people’s upkeep at the quarantine centres and improve living conditions there.

Photo: AFP