This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
Kenya's healthcare system is facing a severe test as the country records its highest number of Covid-19 deaths in a single day. Amidst this crisis, five governors have taken proactive measures to prepare for any eventuality by installing ICU beds in their homes.
According to a source, the governors have also made arrangements for standby private doctors and nurses, a prerequisite for the installation of the facilities. The source revealed that the ICU equipment was supplied to and installed at the homes of the governors, including two who head counties severely hit by Covid-19 in April and May, and one who has a pre-existing medical condition that makes him at risk of contracting the virus.
The governors from the Coast and Nyanza regions, as well as one from upper Eastern Kenya, have invested heavily in the ICU equipment, with each unit costing in excess of 10 million Kenya shillings. This move has been criticized by many as selfish, especially at a time when the counties are grappling with an acute shortage of ICU beds.
Kenya reported 473 cases on Friday, the highest ever reported, with 8 people losing their lives over the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 9,448. Eight deaths, including that of doctor Doreen Lugaliki, were also recorded over the last 24 hours, the highest deaths so far reported.
Published on July 10, 2020, at 4:40 PM EAT.
