This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
On June 17, 2020, the Kenyan government issued a warning to its citizens regarding the use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for Covid-19 diagnosis.
According to Health CAS Rashid Aman, the RDTs have permeated the market and are being sold as a test for Covid-19 diagnosis, which is a concern.
Kenya has conducted over 124,000 Covid-19 tests since March 2020, with 4,044 confirmed cases and 1,353 recoveries. The virus has claimed 107 lives.
The health ministry has emphasized the importance of using the PCR test, which has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), as the best standard for Covid-19 diagnosis.
CAS Aman advised Kenyans to be cautious of RDT tests, stating, 'Please don't take those results of an RTD test for now, giving comfort that you are Covid-19 negative or in some cases giving you the anguish that you are positive.'
The RDT tests are only authorized for use in determining the level of exposure in a community or population and for surveillance and research purposes.
On June 17, 2020, Kenya recorded its highest number of positive coronavirus cases at 184, with the ministry warning that the numbers are expected to rise.
