This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
As Kenya navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, a technical team has been at the forefront of advising President Uhuru Kenyatta on control measures. The team, led by Health ministry Principal Secretary Susan Mochache and Director-General Patrick Amoth, has been working tirelessly to provide data-driven recommendations to inform the President's decisions.
Early this month, Kenyans anxiously awaited the President's decision on reopening the economy. However, President Kenyatta chose not to do so, citing the increase in COVID-19 infections and the lack of preparedness in the counties.
The National Covid-19 Task Force, a technical organ that acts as a coordinating working group, has been instrumental in advising the National Emergency Response Committee (NERC), which in turn advises the President. The task force comprises about 80 people from various sectors, including development partners.
According to Dr. Patrick Amoth, co-chair of the task force, the bulk of the work lies with the counties. 'When we are satisfied that the counties have done a good job, we will advise the President to open the economy,' he said.
Dr. Amoth emphasized that the counties must strengthen case management units, establish rapid response teams, and ensure that public and social health measures are functional. He also noted that the reopening of the economy will depend on the counties' preparedness, and that it is not a must that the country opens fully but can gradually open schools and churches.
Dr. Amoth also acknowledged that the reopening might not entirely depend on scientific evidence but also on political forces. 'My role is to advise the Health minister, Mutahi Kagwe and the National Emergency Response Committee (NERC), who later advises the President, the advice can either be taken, ignored or rejected but this will depend on the President,' he said.
Principal Secretary Susan Mochache, co-chair of the National Covid-19 Task force, noted that the task force has come up with different departments that meet weekly to receive reports from its work-streams and their sub-committee. She also emphasized that the counties have been given Sh5 Billion to enable them prepare to have in place necessary required equipment.
As the country prepares for reopening, the technical team will continue to provide critical advice to the President. Their recommendations will play a crucial role in determining when to reopen the economy and how to mitigate the spread of the virus.
