This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
Kenya's Covid-19 Crisis: A Health System Overwhelmed ¶
As of July 13, 2020, Kenya's Covid-19 cases had surpassed the 10,000 mark, with the country's healthcare system struggling to cope with the rapid spread of the virus.
Since the lifting of cessation of movement orders in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera, the country has recorded its highest number of cases within a one-week period, with 474 cases reported on Friday.
At the start of the pandemic in March, only 1,419 samples were tested, with 78 turning positive. In contrast, by the end of June, the country had conducted over 90,000 tests, with 4,049 positive cases.
Despite the government's decision to relax restrictions, the country's healthcare system is still not ready to handle a surge in infections. The latest data shows that the system will be overwhelmed, with only 442 ICU beds and 437 ventilators available, compared to the national target of 30,500 units.
Many counties, including Vihiga, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Samburu, Tana River, Lamu, and Embu, do not have a single ICU bed. In comparison, countries like South Africa have implemented a phased reopening, with around 2,000 ICU beds allocated to Covid-19 patients.
Kenya's access to testing, isolation, and quarantine is also a concern, with some areas lacking these essential services. In contrast, Rwanda has implemented drive-through testing and relies on phone data profiles to trace contacts with Covid-19 positive patients.
The country's decision to relax restrictions without meeting the necessary minimums has raised concerns about the potential for a health crisis. With the virus spreading rapidly, it remains to be seen whether the government's strategy will be effective in containing the outbreak.
