ANC urge President Uhuru Kenyatta to prioritize shutdown in deal with COVID-19 spread

Amani National Congress Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi has
today (Wednesday) issued the party’s proposal to the government and citizens,
in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing journalists at Mudavadi’s center Nairobi, Mr. Mudavadi
called on Kenyans to observe all simple steps laid out by the government,
including social distancing, hand washing, staying home, in the fight against
Coronavirus.

The ANC leader urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to prioritize
national shutdown, adding that it will wake up Kenyans to the harsh realities
of the mortal dangers that “our contact is exposing us to.”

“It is very disappointing to see Kenyans treat very
frivolously the instructions from the government. This disease is serious and
kills, let us stay safe and follow the guidelines,” said Mr. Mudavadi.

The party called on the government to assure Kenyans that
they will still have their country in the coming months and after covid-19.

“KRA is going to be hit hard because all tax bases are now
shaky. If the state cannot collect taxes, operations will certainly grind to a
halt,” added the party leader.

On matters farming, which is the country’s main Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) contributor, ANC called on the to consider setting up
measures that will not suppress agriculture.

“We need clear proactive contingency measures to support farmers with essentials such as fertilizers and seeds, agricultural credits and
extension services, to boost the sector, the country’s food basket,”

“Despite the reality that covid-19 is here, supply chain for
agricultural essentials should not be compromised,” Mr. Mudavadi added.

Commuter directives

The party also said the state needs to review changes by
both the passengers and matatu owners, as people still need to commute in
search for food.

The party leader called on the need to look at the taxation
of petroleum products to relieve Kenyans on high bus fares coming as a result
of raft measures.

He added that Kenyans also need support in access to
essential such as water, steady supply of electricity, and paraffin for cooking
purposes.

“There is also need to caution both house renters and
landlords, with the possibility to tax accruals where they will be obliged to
extend such relief to Kenyans, filing this as part of their tax relief from the
state,” said the part leader.

ANC also wants the government to set up a target food relief
programme for both the rural and urban poor population, should total lock down
be adopted in the fight against the virus.

Coronavirus infection cases in the country are surging
rapidly, with the current number standing at 25.

The government announced on Tuesday that there are more than
600 people who being cross examined for the possibilities of contracting the
virus.

At least four counties in the country (Nairobi, Mombasa,
Kwale and Kilifi) have reported cases of COVID-19 pandemic.