This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
Published on August 7, 2020, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i remains optimistic that Kenya will flatten the Covid-19 curve after September, despite rising infections and limited resources.
At his Harambee House office, Matiang'i acknowledged the anxiety caused by the pandemic, but emphasized the government's efforts to combat it. 'I have the anxiety everyone faces,' he said. 'But we are making a contribution in ending the pandemic.'
Recently, two bloggers were arrested for allegedly claiming that Matiang'i was sick. However, he clarified that he was fine and thanked God for his health.
As the rate of infections continues to rise, Matiang'i ruled out mass testing as a solution, citing the lack of resources and the example of other countries. 'No country has done mass testing,' he said.
Despite the challenges, Matiang'i expressed confidence that the country would start to flatten the curve after September. This would be a major achievement for the National Co-ordination Committee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, which he chairs.
Lack of Resources ¶
The lack of resources and shrinking space in hospital wards is contributing to more deaths as Kenya walks into the Covid-19 storm. Medical experts say that only collective action can stop the virus from overwhelming the health system.
With limited budget, the government is making hard choices on how to use the available cash. 'Experts are asking us, is mass testing the sensible way of using your resources?' Matiang'i asked.
Diplomatic Spats ¶
Kenya and Tanzania have had diplomatic spats in recent months over Covid-19, with mistrust and fear opening old wounds. Kenya suspects that Tanzania has not been transparent in the number of Covid-19 cases.
Internally, Kenyan officials have been accused of wanton wastage of resources put aside to fight the pandemic. This has led to threats by healthcare workers to lay down tools demanding their delayed salaries in some counties.
However, Matiang'i denied any evidence of dissatisfaction with the government's war on Covid-19. He also announced that there would be audits to ensure transparency and accountability of the funds.
Another tricky issue was the police behaviour during the lockdown and brutalisation of those who were caught outside the curfew hours. Matiang'i acknowledged that officers make mistakes, but emphasized that the police did a good job overall.
