This archive report was first published on 22 June 2020.
June 22, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has reached Kenya's military, with 80 soldiers testing positive for the virus.
According to sources, the outbreak started with three military officers at the Embakasi barracks testing positive for COVID-19.
High-ranking military officials were reportedly shocked by the confirmation of the cases, prompting swift action to contain the spread of the virus.
As a precautionary measure, a good number of officers were moved to Kahawa barracks along the Thika superhighway, and doors to the facility were shut, with no entry or exit allowed except for special cases.
Those on leave were ordered to remain at home, and those residing outside the barracks were told to move back in.
Initially, an isolation centre was set up at Embakasi barracks, but as the number of cases grew, it was moved to Kabete barracks, which became the treatment centre for all KDF staff.
One officer reportedly died and was buried at his home in Olenguruone, Nakuru county.
Another barracks, Kahawa Garrison, was placed under strict surveillance with limited access due to concerns that soldiers had mingled with civilians outside the camp.
The Kenya Defence Forces has implemented protocols to curb the spread of the virus, including scrapping military parades, halting trainings, and restricting officers from leaving the facility.
Other containment measures include providing sanitization points, conducting mass testing, establishing quarantine areas, and distributing face masks.
