Kenya will require all government workers to receive at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine before August 23, or face disciplinary action, according to Joseph Kinyua, the head of the nation’s public service.

Some staff members have opted not to get inoculated, so they can continue working from home, which is hurting service delivery, according to a letter sent by Kinyua to senior state officials. There has been low uptake by security officers and teachers in particular, he said.

“Vaccination is voluntary — why are civil servants the only ones being punished?” said Tom Odege, secretary-general of the Kenya Union of Civil Servants. “Instead of punishment, government should encourage civil servants to get vaccinated.”..