This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
It's been five months since Covid-19 arrived in Kenya, and the country is at a critical juncture. With the reopening of Nairobi, the epicentre of the outbreak, it's time to reassess our strategy and adopt a new approach.
One of the most pressing issues is the unequal distribution of hospital resources. While medical facilities in Nairobi are overwhelmed, those in other counties remain underutilized. This is a clear indication that the current system is not working, and it's time for a change.
Alfred Mutua, the Governor of Machakos, has already offered to take in patients from other counties if needed. This is a proposal that the Ministry of Health should seriously consider, coordinating a 'sharing' of resources based on each county's capacity and risk assessment.
Furthermore, Nairobi must return to its original seriousness in combating the pandemic. The recent relaxation of restrictions has led to a surge in cases, and the city's residents are paying the price. President Uhuru Kenyatta has already addressed these concerns, and it's time for action.
Counties should also adopt a regional containment strategy, taking into account the unique circumstances of each area. The reopening of Mombasa, for example, has had a minimal impact on neighbouring counties, while Nairobi's reopening has had a devastating effect on its neighbours.
It's time for governors to wake up and work together to contain the spread of the virus. The government has received massive resources from international organizations and local institutions, but it's not being used effectively. The Jane Karuku-led Covid-19 Fund Board has collected billions, but its work is not providing personal protective equipment, which is the government's responsibility.
Instead, the board should focus on alleviating economic hardships and providing support to those affected by the pandemic. Kenya will not win this battle by simply providing PPEs.
Secondly, work hard to eliminate deaths. This is manageable since only a small percentage of patients end up needing intensive care. Using the one-Kenya approach, anybody visiting a hospital with symptoms must get tested and admitted, even if they have to get a bed in another county.
Thirdly, hospitals are behaving badly. Patients are being turned away, others mistreated and abandoned to their fate, all because they have 'Covid-19' symptoms. It is wrong and Health CS Mutahi Kagwe, must step in.
Lastly, medical insurers must be commended for standing with Kenyans. They have agreed to pay for Covid-19 treatment, and have been doing so since March 2020.
Published on August 7, 2020.
