This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
As of July 14, 2020, Kenya's COVID-19 death toll has risen to 202, with 17 fatalities recorded in the past two days. This worrying trend comes exactly seven days after President Uhuru Kenyatta lifted the restriction of movement in and out of Nairobi and Mombasa.
More than 700 cases have been reported in the last 48 hours, taking the total number of cases beyond the 10,000 mark. Alarmingly, 450 of these cases are healthcare workers, leaving the country's facilities and personnel severely strained.
Kenyan citizens, including politicians, have been joking about not knowing anyone with COVID-19 just a short while ago. However, today, many know people who have died from the virus or have succumbed to the pandemic.
As the number of deaths continues to rise, fear for the virus is slowly reinstalling itself. Social distancing measures, once taken seriously, have been largely ignored, especially in public vehicles. Masks are now often worn on chins instead of covering noses and mouths.
Health experts warn that Kenya's health infrastructure is broken, and the rosy picture painted by governors and the Ministry of Health is misleading. To avoid being admitted for COVID-19, citizens are advised to take all necessary precautions.
Some citizens are still engaging in high-risk behaviors, such as sneaking into video halls in slums or partying in local clubs in high-end estates.
