This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
As Kenya grapples with a surge in Covid-19 cases, President Uhuru Kenyatta is facing a tough decision: how to balance economic recovery with the need to contain the virus.
On July 4, 2020, President Kenyatta participated in a webinar on post-Covid-19 reconstruction at State House, Nairobi, where he hinted at the possible resumption of domestic flights as the country gears towards opening the economy.
However, the country's infection rate has shot up by over 100% in the past month, with Kenya now ranking 10th in Africa and 73rd worldwide in terms of coronavirus infection. The country has lost 160 people to the virus as of July 5, with a death rate of 2% compared to the global mortality rate of 4%.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Rashid Aman attributed the surge in numbers to increased testing capacity, but warned Kenyans against laxity in observing safety rules.
Kenya is now faced with two choices: to ease restrictions and risk a surge in infections, or to maintain the status quo and risk economic stagnation. The country's economy has been severely impacted by the restrictions, with low-income earners in Nairobi being hit hard.
President Kenyatta's decision will have far-reaching consequences for the country, and it remains to be seen how he will navigate this delicate balancing act.
