This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
March marked a turning point for Larkman Mande, a father of four who had traveled to his rural home in Kakamega to visit his parents. However, the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent government-imposed movement restrictions in Nairobi made it impossible for him to return home, leaving him stranded for three months.
Mr. Mande's experience is a testament to the far-reaching effects of the pandemic on Kenyan society. In the 100 days since the first case was reported, Kenya has recorded 4,374 positive cases, and millions of people have been affected by movement restrictions, job losses, and economic hardship.
The pandemic has brought life in Kenya to a standstill, with the closure of schools, colleges, and entertainment spots. The government has implemented a nationwide curfew, and essential service providers are exempt from the restrictions. Remote working has become the new norm, with many companies reducing the number of employees working from the office or closing down their offices altogether.
The job market has been severely impacted, with the government estimating that the economy will shed over 500,000 jobs in six months due to the pandemic. The informal sector, which employs 83% of Kenyans, has been particularly affected, with job cuts, unpaid leaves, and salary reductions becoming common.
The pandemic has also had a significant impact on the healthcare system, with a drastic reduction in the number of patients seeking attention in hospitals. Private hospitals have been particularly affected, with the halting of non-emergency surgeries resulting in a significant loss of revenue.
As Kenya marks 100 days since its first Covid-19 case, the country is grappling with the devastating impact of the pandemic on its economy, social life, and daily routines. The nation is in lockdown, and it remains to be seen when life will return to normal.
