This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
Kenya is facing its biggest health challenge in a generation as Covid-19 rapidly spreads across counties, posing unprecedented challenges to the security sector.
With the government declaring a countrywide night-time curfew and partial lockdown in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi counties, the National Police Service and private security players are adapting to new realities.
As a containment measure, social distancing is being emphasized, and police officers, like anyone else, should be protected from the virus. Handwashing and hand sanitizing are being emphasized at entrances, but there is a risk of security officers dropping their guard.
Some employees are working from home for the first time as businesses opt for the arrangement to enable continuity and safety of staff. However, it is a prime time for cyber-attackers, with malicious software (malware) and phishing emails posing a significant threat.
It's also crucial for members of the public to be cautious as criminals are using the pandemic to scam them through circulation of phishing emails purporting to sell non-existent items and messages that are accompanied by links that purport to offer free goodies.
For Kenya, the Al-Shabaab insurgency remains a potent force in Somalia, and security agencies should up surveillance and not drop their guard. Equally, the citizenry should volunteer any information.
The pandemic has already disrupted various food supply chains, and the World Food Programme estimates that 20 million people are food-insecure in the region, likely to increase to 34-43 million in three months.
The strict measures to counter the spread of the virus also have a particular impact on women and girls, including elevating the risk of sexual and gender-based violence. Recently, the National Council on Administration of Justice reported a significant spike in sexual offences in many parts of the country in the first two weeks of the curfew.
According to official data, 45 per cent of women and girls aged 15 to 49 have suffered physical violence and 14 per cent sexual violence. The restrictions imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic are likely to make it harder for survivors to report abuse and seek help and service providers to respond efficiently.
Mr Masava is a communication specialist and comments on topical issues.
