Kenya, Tanzania Health Ministers meet in Nairobi.

By Samuel Ouma

Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on Thursday held bilateral talks with his Tanzanian counterpart Hon. Dorothy Gwajima.

The meeting came against a backdrop of the debilitating COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the world and the two countries.

CS Kagwe singled out trade as among the most affected sectors of the economy, yet it plays a massive role in ensuring citizens earn a living.

“We are headed to one and a half years since the pandemic struck. Despite putting up stringent measures to contain the disease, it has continued to ravage our countries forcing us to rethink how we conduct our day to day activities,” said Kagwe.

The duo agreed on several issues in the fight against Covid-19, including cross-border matters involving citizens of both countries such as transport, Covid- 19 testing, and validation systems for those leaving and entering both countries.

Kagwe lauded the delegation from Tanzania for finding time to come to Kenya and engage with the ministry in matters to do with the health of the people of the two countries.

“This bilateral engagement goes a long way not only to emphasize the value of good health but also to confirm and even cement the cordial relationship the two countries have enjoyed over the years,” he added.