COVID-19: Kenya extends nationwide curfew by 60 days

Kenya has taken the bold step to extend the nationwide curfew by an additional 60 days in order to curb the surge in COVID-19 cases during the third wave of the pandemic. President Uhuru Kenyatta made the decision as he expressed concern over the increasing number of infections, with a positivity rate of 17% reported yesterday. The move comes as a necessary measure to control the spread of the virus and protect the population. Shiv Arora, CEO of Superior Homes Kenya, shared insights on the situation and the challenges faced by the country amidst the pandemic. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, African nations like Kenya swiftly responded by implementing restrictions and measures to contain the virus. However, as cases declined towards the end of last year, there was a sense of complacency among the population, leading to a resurgence in infections with the emergence of new variants of the virus. The recent spike in cases from 3% in January to 17% highlights the urgency of extending the curfew and other preventive measures. The delicate balance between safeguarding public health and reviving the economy remains a key challenge for the government. With over 800 new infections reported daily on average, the high positivity rate is a major concern for health authorities. The emphasis is not only on the number of cases but also on the rate at which people are testing positive, indicating a significant spread of the virus. The slow pace of the vaccination rollout has been criticized, with concerns raised about the timeline for achieving mass vaccination coverage. The need for a more rapid and efficient vaccination campaign is essential to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. While developed countries have made significant progress in their vaccination programs, Kenya lags behind with only around 20,000 vaccinations administered so far. Efforts to expedite the vaccination process and engage established distribution networks are crucial to accelerating the immunization drive. The role of businesses in facilitating the distribution of vaccines across the country can streamline the process and reach a wider population. The recent revelation of Kenya's borrowing for COVID-19 relief has raised questions about the country's economic stability and financial commitments. With ongoing challenges in the economic landscape, the decision to secure additional funding for pandemic response highlights the urgent need to prioritize public health and recovery efforts. The government must strike a balance between managing borrowing levels and investing in essential services like vaccination to ensure long-term economic growth and stability. The cost of loans acquired for COVID-19 relief is seen as an investment in the country's future productivity and well-being. As Kenya navigates through the third wave of the pandemic, decisive actions and strategic planning are essential to overcoming the challenges posed by the crisis and charting a path towards a post-pandemic recovery.