This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
As the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has made a significant announcement aimed at increasing testing rates. Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has revealed that the government will now bear the cost of quarantine for individuals who test positive for the virus.
According to CS Kagwe, the decision is aimed at encouraging more Kenyans to come forward for testing without fear of incurring additional costs. 'The cost of targeted testing for Covid-19 and government quarantine facilities shall be met by the government effective today. Kenyans should not be afraid to get tested,' he said during his daily press briefing on May 6, 2020.
Concerns over low testing rates have been raised, particularly in areas such as Old Town Mombasa, where only seven people turned out for testing on Saturday last week. Governor Ali Hassan Joho had warned that the government might use force to compel individuals to undergo testing.
Prior to the government's announcement, Kenyans on social media had expressed concerns over the high cost of quarantine, which stood at Ksh 2,000 per day. This meant that individuals would need to part with at least Ksh28,000 for the 14 days in quarantine, a significant burden for many.
