This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
Kenya's COVID-19 cases have been on the rise since the government started mass testing in Nairobi's Kawangware, Eastleigh, and Mombasa County last week.
On May 5, 2020, the country recorded 45 new cases, the highest on a single day, bringing the total number of cases to 535.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe attributed the surge in cases to community spreading in areas such as Eastleigh, Kawangware, and Mombasa Old Town.
"We have the highest number today and that shows how serious this pandemic is in our country," Kagwe said.
Of the new cases, 29 were from Eastleigh, which has now recorded 63 cases, while Kawangware and Mombasa Old Town have 24 and 39 cases respectively.
Kagwe praised Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho for rallying his people to volunteer for mass testing, having himself taken one on Monday.
The government has warned people, particularly traders who have re-opened businesses, to strictly follow guidelines from the government to prevent the spread of the virus.
"Things are not getting better," Kagwe said, quoting Proverb 10: 17, "Whoever heeds discipline, shows the way to life but whoever ignores correction, leads others astray."
