This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
Kenya's COVID-19 Response: Counties Struggle to Meet ICU Bed Capacity ¶
As of July 11, Kenya had 44 patients in the ICU, with 22 on ventilators and 22 receiving supplementary oxygen. The country has 442 ICU beds, 437 ventilators, and over 10,000 isolation beds.
According to Council of Governors Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya, Nairobi county accounts for about 246 of the ICU beds, followed by Murang'a (35) and Machakos (30).
However, some counties are struggling to meet the required ICU bed capacity. As of July 11, 21 counties had not achieved the 300-bed target, with the deadline set for July 22.
These counties include Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Isiolo, Kajiado, Siaya, Taita-Taveta, Tana River, Baringo, Bomet, Turkana, Wajir, Kitui, Lamu, Kisumu, Marsabit, Migori, Meru, Nyamira, and Samburu.
On the other hand, some counties have exceeded the 300-bed capacity. Nairobi, Mombasa, Bungoma, Laikipia, Garissa, and Machakos have set up at least 400 isolation beds.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe had warned that there would be a spike in the number of positive cases after the president lifted the cessation of movement order on July 6.
He also cautioned that the number of people with severe complications would increase, leading to more COVID-19 related deaths.
As a result, critically ill patients need specialized care in ICUs, while others will have to be hooked on ventilators if they develop breathing problems.
