Kenyan Truck Drivers Push To Suspend Operations
The Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers Union has called for the suspension of operations into Uganda due to the challenging environment they are facing at the border crossings which include alleged harassment, stigma and long delays as the majority of Uganda’s COVID-19 cases have been truck drivers from neighboring countries.
Growers of fresh produce have seen a demand in their products from the European Union as stocks have begun to run low especially as governments in the UK, Germany, Italy, and other European countries start easing the nationwide lockdowns.
According to Business Daily, The European Union will introduce stricter measures for Kenyan beans being exported to Europe from 26th May 2020 as high levels of pesticide residues will result in rejections of cargo.
Many millers are not happy that the window to import maize will not be extended.
Uganda is expected to be a key origin as a new crop is expected from June but Malawi will also be an alternative source.
The National Cereals and Produce Board in Kenya will be purchasing 15,000 bags of rice and beans at the end of this month which is in line with government plans to continue food supplies during the Covid-19 outbreak as reported in the Business Daily. This procurement will include 4,000 bags of rosecoco beans, 4,000 bags of mwitemania, 2,000 bags of red haricot beans and 5,000 bags of rice.
Kenya continues to see an increase in positive Covid-19 cases as the lockdown has seen a slowdown in economic activities. The government are supporting stakeholders in the horticulture and food industry to help restart their businesses while it also plans to support those vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with special needs.
The government of Kenya has introduced a ban on the movement to and from the Greater Nairobi area as the cases of Covid-19 rise to 184 with 7 confirmed deaths and 12 patients that have recovered. The ban was announced by the president on Monday 6th April and will last 21 days. Supplies for food and cargo are exempt from the directive.
Kenya has seen the most cases of Covid-19 in the region as the number has surpassed 100 and with 3 fatalities. The country is also battling to keep the economy operating during a nationwide curfew, closure of businesses and slowdown in those businesses that have remained opened.
As the corona virus continues to cause major disruptions in the global economy, Kenya announced travel restrictions for travellers from countries that have confirmed cases of COVID-19 along with the closure of schools and gatherings in public.
