This archive report was first published on 20 April 2020.
On April 20, 2020, Kenya's Ministry of Health announced a significant increase in Covid-19 cases, with the death toll rising to 14 and infections reaching 270. The number of recovered cases stood at 67.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi revealed that the ministry had tested 1,330 people in the last 24 hours, with eight testing positive for the virus. Seven of the new infections were Kenyans, while one was a foreigner. Three cases were from quarantine facilities, and five were identified by the surveillance team.
A survey conducted by Infotrak between March 30 and April 20 found that 831 respondents from 24 counties were extremely worried about the pandemic. The poll revealed that 57% of those in North Eastern and 56% in Rift Valley were the most concerned, while 46% and 44% of residents in Nairobi and Coast, respectively, were extremely worried despite having the highest infections.
Notably, 78% of Kenyans believed that many people had the coronavirus but were unaware, and 76% said they would struggle to make ends meet if the pandemic persisted. Only 8% were worried about the disease as a personal health issue, while 28% were concerned about its financial implications. Furthermore, 76% of those polled believed that the country lacked the medical resources to cope with a potential spread of the disease.
