The announcement by Health CS Mutahi Kagwe was accompanied by a raft of new drastic precautionary measures that include among others banning of all international passenger flights, closedown of entertainment joints and places of worship.
Kagwe noted that the government will continue to implement similar measures that have proven effective in combating the spreading of the virus in other countries, an indication that imposition of a regional or countrywide total or partial lockdown was not far off the table.
However, reacting to the latest government directives, a senior OKash manager who requested not to be named, has told 254 NewsDay that they are doing everything to ensure their current and potential borrowers continue to access loans as usual regardless of looming eventualities.
"During turbulent times like this one we cannot afford to turn away our loyal customers who have been with us in this journey for the last two years. With this pandemic escalating by day, I have to admit that every financial institution in Kenya and beyond is in uncertain economic times but we have to be there for each other regardless," the senior manager told 254 NewsDay on Monday.
The manager noted that owing to the digitisation of most of OKash operations most of its services that include borrowing and repayment will continue uninterrupted amid mounting fears that the government may impose a partial or total lockdown in the country to contain a further spread of the viral contagion.
Cashless Transactions
He advised OKash borrowers to use cashless transactions as much as possible noting that M-Pesa, their partner in loan disbursements, had zero-rated 'Lipa na M-Pesa' transactions while waiving the fee chargeable when sending any amount below Sh1000.
"I would want to remind our customers that money has been found to be a good transitive agent that can spur the spread of COVID-19 virus. Therefore, when you get a loan do not rush to withdraw it. Consider cashless transaction options that minimizes your direct contacts with money as much as possible," the manager added.
This is as he requested Kenyans in general to adhere strictly to all safety measures that the government has repeatedly been issuing saying that the 'dark cloud will pass and life resume to normal' but 'every person must protect themselves, their families and their communities to be there when that time comes'.