This archive report was first published on 27 April 2020.
As the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic, a new survey has revealed that Kenyans are eager for the partial reopening of the economy in May.
According to a survey conducted by African Business Partners, a Japanese investment firm, 77% of Nairobi households are optimistic about the partial reopening of the economy next month.
The survey, which sampled households with smartphones, internet access, and monthly incomes of up to Sh50,000, found that more than half of the respondents believed that the country would record more gains in the fight against the respiratory virus.
While the Ministry of Health had previously projected 5,000 Covid-19 cases by the end of April and a peak of at least 10,000 in May, the survey shows a sharp contrast in optimism among Kenyans.
On Monday, the country recorded eight new infections, bringing the total number of Covid-19 cases to 363, while recoveries rose to 114.
“Though media outlets are repeatedly reporting future projections of as high as 10 million cases and 300,000 deaths across Africa, Kenyans seem to have a more optimistic outlook, likely based on the current low case count,” ABP said in the survey.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced plans to reopen some restaurants and hotels, while re-opening of schools has been pushed to the first week of June.
