This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
COVID-19 Restrictions Devastate Kenyan Economy ¶
Published on July 6, 2020, a study by Trends and Insights For Africa revealed that 74% of Kenyans have suffered a major decline in earnings since the imposition of curfew and travel restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus in Kenya.
The survey, conducted between June 2 and 15, targeted low-income areas in Nairobi, including Huruma, Kibera, Mathare, Korogocho, Mukuru kwa Njenga, and Kawangware.
According to the study, nearly three-quarters of respondents reported a loss of income since March, with the majority being self-employed individuals in the informal sector.
Among those surveyed, 53% were male, while 47% were female, with the largest age group category being 25-35 years.
Notably, 86% of respondents endorsed President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive to extend containment measures on June 6, while 79% agreed with the curfew extension.
However, the study also highlighted significant disparities in employment rates, with 32% of women surveyed being jobless compared to 29% of men.
President Kenyatta is set to review or issue new containment measures on Monday, following the expiry of the extension issued last month.
