This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
Government's Covid-19 Response Raises More Questions Than Answers ¶
As the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, Kenya's government has been under scrutiny for its response to the crisis. While the country has managed to keep its death toll relatively low, a recent incident highlights the shortcomings in the government's handling of the pandemic.
On June 23, 2020, a family in Nairobi lost their mother to the virus, despite her being in good health before contracting the disease. The family's experience is a stark reminder of the challenges that many Kenyans face in accessing healthcare during this pandemic.
The family's daughter, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared her story with The Standard on Sunday. She recounted how her mother was diagnosed with pneumonia and advised to test for Covid-19 as a precaution. However, the family faced a shortage of reagents, which made it difficult to get the test done.
After a day-long search, the family eventually paid Sh8,000 for a private laboratory test, which confirmed that her mother had tested positive. The family was then advised to self-quarantine, but they received little support from the government.
"No official came to check if the self-quarantine directive was being adhered to," the daughter said. "It took self-discipline not to leave our suburban quarters for a walk."
The family's experience is not an isolated incident. Many Kenyans have reported similar challenges in accessing healthcare during this pandemic. The government's response to the crisis has been criticized for being inadequate, with many calling for more support for those affected.
As the pandemic continues to spread, it is essential that the government takes a more proactive approach to addressing the challenges that many Kenyans face. This includes increasing the availability of reagents, providing more support for those affected, and ensuring that the healthcare system is equipped to handle the surge in cases.
Only then can we say that Kenya is truly prepared to deal with the pandemic.
