This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
On July 13, 2020, the Council of Governors Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya renewed calls for the national government to devolve COVID-19 testing to counties by helping set up and equip testing facilities.
According to Oparanya, at least 26 counties have complied with President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive to attain the 300-bed capacity, while 21 others are working to achieve that goal in the next one week.
However, questions have been raised on whether county governments are fully prepared to manage COVID-19 as claimed by most governors.
Senate Minority leader James Orengo, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo accused county bosses of lying to Kenyans that their counties are ready to manage an upsurge of infections.
"Covid-19 is a disease that does not judge your level of power. We are witnessing people dying in the United States and Britain yet they are some of the most powerful nations in the world," Orengo said.
Mr. Kajwang questioned the level of preparedness claimed by county bosses, saying, "Management of health systems is more advanced at the national level yet it faces several challenges. County governments too are having difficulties managing the systems."
Mr. Amollo accused Nyanza governors of laxity in managing coronavirus, urging residents to take a personal responsibility of keeping themselves safe from the virus.
