This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, it has brought Kenyans together in a common fight against the invisible enemy. However, a significant threat to this united front lies in the mistrust between the government and informal settlement communities.
According to the Ministry of Health, 56% of urban residents in Kenya live in densely populated informal settlements, lacking access to basic necessities like income, water, and food. This makes them highly vulnerable to the virus. As someone who has worked with these communities through my non-profit Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco), I have witnessed firsthand the special danger posed to these communities.
Despite the government's efforts to combat the pandemic, there are two major issues that hinder an effective response in informal settlements. Firstly, the spread of false information and conspiracies has become a significant concern. Rumours and myths, such as the coronavirus being a government scheme or a way to suppress numbers, have led to disbelief and scepticism among community members.
These misconceptions can have devastating consequences, as people who live in denial become a threat to themselves and others. The spread of false information can wear people down and 'infect' them over time, undermining an effective Covid-19 response.
Secondly, there is a feeling among residents that the government doesn't help them because it cares but sees them as a threat. This perception persists, leading to resistance and suspicion towards any response effort that comes as a top-down directive.
However, these problems have simple yet powerful solutions. By giving a voice to community-based groups and demonstrating that the government listens to their needs, we can start to break down the barriers of mistrust. Collecting more information on perceptions around the disease can also help detect and curb threatening rumours and myths before they spread.
As we navigate this pandemic, it's essential that we don't allow the legacy of mistrust to get in the way of an effective response. Only with the right information will all Kenyans have a fighting chance against the pandemic.
— Mr. Odede is co-founder and CEO of Shofco.
