Amid coronavirus, Kenya has put the stage III restrictions already in place, like cancelling public gatherings, closing of schools, encouraging people to work from home.
Confirmed cases are above the 200 mark, with 40 recoveries and 9 deaths, as of 13th April.
There are still cases that are being tested and quarantined in the capital city Nairobi.
EFFECTED ECONOMY: Coronavirus has a major negative impact on all developed countries, out of all of them, Kenya is already suffering as its extensive trade relationship is with China, this nation will face unimaginable hardship for years because of the pandemic. The farming sector is going to be challenging in these hard times, as it is already drought and more than 75% percent makes living.
LOCK DOWNS AND CURFEWS: Kenyatta, the current president of Kenya, imposed full lockdowns and curfews to avoid the spread of the pandemic. However, it is getting hard to control the crowds who work on daily wages and cannot be able to work from home as many are working in the informal sector. According to 2015 estimates 11.8 million people work for informal employers and police abusing public is only undermining the fight against COVID -19.
WORSHIPS AND TRAVEL BANS: The Government called in for church closures, and people participated in online church prayers. There are hundreds of thousands cancelled travel plans during this annual event time. Travel bans are in place, and the restrictions will go for 21days. All International flights have been suspended to Kenya. There is a proportionate loss of income to the country due to travel bans.
Despite the measures taken by the government, hiring new healthcare workers, lockdowns and curfews, they are still some unseen overlooking factors.
STAMPEDE: People fighting over food packages, many people were injured and taken to safety. Police fired tear gas and injured many people as per the residents. Men beating people with sticks isn’t helping locals to cooperate with the lockdown.
COMMUNITY: The deteriorating livelihood of poor and vulnerable people, concerns are arising as police are using gruelling and humiliating punishments for the vulnerable communities. As they can’t stock up the food, many of them have the risk of starving, as they don’t work, they have no food. Nearly three-quarters of people live in slums and many of them are homeless.
People who were already in abusive homes will be left alone and suffer. Many households live without regular supply of water and basic needs like soap. It will be devastating to even think about community infections as each household has many people and many families use the same toilets.
CHILDREN / ADOLESCENTS: Our deepest condolences to Yasin Hussain Moyo, a 13 year old boy, who was shot by the police during the curfew.
Deprived economy and deteriorating livelihood mean malnourishment and skeletal deformities for the next few generations. It is heartbreaking to even think of it.
Nonetheless, the laws say ALL CHILDREN ARE BORN WITH CHILDREN RIGHTS, Kenyan children are facing exploitation and this period will make things only worse for them.
On that note, it is not the first time that Kenyans are facing a challenge. So, this isn’t an exception.
It clearly states that the government is not fully prepared on how to act against this deadly virus outbreak. Quarantine measures in Kenya show that it will be a long wait for Kenyans.
SUPPORT FROM THE INSIDE: The government has included the staff who worked during EBOLA outbreak in the contingency plan. Eligible locals will receive stipend from the government. However, people are still in need to be educated and encouraged to stay indoors.
MATATUS (minibusses) conductors and drivers are heroes as they are implementing the hygienic procedures and working hard to promote safe travels to work for informal workers.
SUPPORT FROM THE OUTSIDE: In spite of receiving $50 million dollars from the world bank, Kenyans will still need a lot of support from the world. People and charities are collecting donations to provide food and basic essential needs to the poorest.
EVIE GRACE FOUNDATION is working hard to provide and reduce the long term impact on the most needed people.
The numbers aren’t really important. It is all about loss, fear, and sorrows now. Instead what everyone needs is LOVE AND SUPPORT.
References
- https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/commentisfree/2020/apr/13/were-taking-matters-into-our-own-hands-bracing-for-impact-in-kenya
- https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/scienceandhealth/orKenya-among-states-vulnerable-coronavirus-COVID-19/3073694-5456832-6nktbg/index.html
- https://theconversation.com/how-the-covid-19-pandemic-will-affect-informal-workers-insights-from-kenya-134151
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51917920
