The Covid-19 Pandemic and the Vaccination Process

25 March 2021

We the Kenyan Asian Forum (KAF) stand in solidarity with Kenyans as we battle with the Pandemic and seek solutions to save Kenyan lives. We note with concern the emergence of the third wave, which is causing havoc among the population. For most of us, the reality of the Pandemic does not sink in until we start losing loved ones or friends. Up to now, it was ‘the other’ and so seemingly did not concern us. In that spirit, we urge all Kenyans to observe all the Ministry of Health protocols in order to save their own as well as other lives.

However, we also note with extreme concern of how sections of Kenyan societies have avoided the guidelines for those who are eligible for the vaccine. Clearly, politicians have once again exploited the weaknesses in our governance structures and managed to get themselves vaccinated ahead of the very vulnerable members of our society like the elderly, people with special health needs, health workers, the security sector and other front line communities.

We wish to distance ourselves from any religious or communal organization seeking special privilege and asking for permission to import and vaccinate members of only their communities. We are pleased to hear that the Government is now rolling out the vaccinations at various hospitals for the different vulnerable age groups. We at KAF firmly believe that South Asian Kenyans should wait in turn like all Kenyans to be vaccinated as and when the Vaccine becomes available. Meanwhile it is important to note that the best way to stay well and safe is by avoiding all public engagements and wearing the Mask at all times when in the vicinity of members of the public as in Supermarkets. This is the only guaranteed way to avoid being infected by the Covid-19 virus.

We stand with the people of Kenya and urge full accountability and transparency from the Government of Kenya in general and the Ministry of Health in particular.

Signed

Davinder Lamba                               Diana Lee – Smith                       Hamid Slatch

Jill Cottrell Ghai                                Madhukant Shah                         Mohez Karmali

Sudhir Vidyarthi                              Yash Ghai                                     Zahid Rajan

Zarina Patel