This archive report was first published on 4 August 2020.
On Tuesday, Samburu County confirmed its first Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of infected counties in the country to 47.
Just days ago, Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal denied reports of a confirmed case in the county, citing Ministry of Health reports as inaccurate.
However, Samburu Health Executive Stephen Lekupe revealed that the eight cases were detected in Maralal town, with the affected patients being moved to isolation centres or undergoing home-based care.
The new cases were identified from 145 people who underwent recent testing, with 6 males and 2 females among the positives. The youngest case was 29 years old, while the oldest was 52.
According to Mr. Lekupe, the cases included 4 drivers, 2 conductors, 1 business person, and 1 waitress.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to Ministry of Health guidelines, including wearing face masks in public spaces, stating, "We must now wear masks and follow all Ministry of Health guidelines. The virus is in our midst,"
Experts had previously warned that the 'coronavirus-free' status of West Pokot, Baringo, and Samburu counties may not accurately reflect the situation, given the limited testing of less than 400 residents out of 1.5 million in the three arid and semi-arid counties.
The Samburu County government has also announced plans to install ICU beds and ventilators at the Maralal Polytechnic Covid-19 isolation centre, with 5 fully equipped ICU beds already procured.
