This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
On June 20, 2020, three researchers from Mount Kenya University (MKU) unveiled a Covid-19 contact tracing system called 'KoviTrace'.
The system, developed by industrial chemist Donatus Njoroge, IT expert Gideon Kamau, and Physician Scientist Dr. Jesse Gitaka, helps identify individuals who came into contact with a positive person within the last 14 days.
According to Njoroge, the system's administrator can key in a patient's phone number and command the system to trace all their contacts within the last 14 days, generating a list of suspected cases.
Once identified, contacts are immediately contacted via push message, which includes information on preventive measures, contacts of the nearest hospital, and emergency toll-free numbers.
‘KoviTrace’ uses standard location APIs to calculate the geo-fence of the user at a particular moment, minimizing the risk of persons going into hiding.
The system's developer, Njoroge, emphasized that the identity of the patient is kept anonymous.
Kenya's Ministry of Health has been conducting contact tracing using patients' phone data, but this method is not feasible at a large scale and is expensive.
‘KoviTrace’ has the potential to revolutionize contact tracing in Kenya, making it a valuable tool in the fight against the pandemic.
