This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic ravages the world, Kenyans have come together to fight a common enemy. However, a growing threat to our collective efforts is the mistrust between the government and informal settlements.
According to the Ministry of Health, 56% of urban residents live in densely populated informal settlements without easy access to basic necessities like income, water, or food. This has left over four million people vulnerable to the virus, making it a matter of great injustice and prejudice.
As part of the Ministry of Health task force on informal settlements, I have witnessed firsthand the special danger posed to these communities. But despite the government's efforts, a significant obstacle to an effective response remains: the mistrust between the government and these communities.
Two major problems contribute to this mistrust. Firstly, the spread of false information and conspiracies has become a significant threat. In informal settlements like Kibera and Mathare, where my non-profit Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco) is actively involved in Covid-19 response, I have encountered numerous instances of disbelief and scepticism.
People who live in denial become a threat to themselves and others, much like a virus. The spread of false information can wear people down and 'infect' them over time. We must not allow such information to spread and undermine our efforts.
Secondly, a feeling of neglect and mistrust of authority has led to a perception that the government doesn't care about the residents. This tension persists, causing any response effort that comes as a top-down directive to be met with resistance and suspicion.
However, these problems have simple yet powerful solutions. By giving a voice to community-based groups and demonstrating that we listen to the residents and respond to their needs, we can begin to address these issues. Collecting more information on perceptions around the disease will also help us detect and curb threatening rumours and myths before they spread.
Let's not allow the legacy of mistrust to hinder our efforts. Only with the right information will all Kenyans have a fighting chance against the pandemic.
— Mr. Odede is co-founder and CEO of Shofco.
