This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
On May 6, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had already taken a significant toll on Kenyan society. However, amidst the challenges, there were also stories of resilience and innovation.
Raphael Obonyo, a youth empowerment advocate, was thrilled to hear about a group of Kenyatta University students who had developed a ventilator in response to appeals to help fight the pandemic. "Congratulations! This demonstrates the abundance of talent and innovation among young Kenyans," he said. "They should be equipped with education and skills to innovate and become globally competitive — to drive development and solve some of the country's challenges," he added.
As the world grappled with the pandemic, Deno Kiriama reflected on how things had changed over the years. "A long time ago, wheat flour used to be more expensive than maize flour, but now it is the opposite," he noted. "Petrol used to be more expensive than diesel and paraffin, but nowadays, the opposite is the case," he added. These changes, he explained, could be seen over a wider spectrum on sectors and experiences in a rapidly changing world.
International travel had come to a standstill, but some Kenyans overseas were still seeking to renew their passports. Mohammed Saleem Jehangir, a 78-year-old pharmacist stuck in Indiana, USA, was one such individual. "The embassy is closed, maybe for a long time," he said. "I request the Immigration Department to allow embassies to extend expiring passports for a year. This is a difficult time and our government should be kind, especially to us senior citizens," he added.
Benjamin Kobare, meanwhile, was looking forward to seeing if Kenyans would adopt a new culture in response to the pandemic. "To test the hypothesis that it takes 66 days to form a new habit," he said. "I look forward to seeing if Kenyans will become permanent 'musketeers', wearing masks, avoiding handshakes, gatherings and funeral feasts and matatu culture giving way to respect for personal spaces," he added.
As Kenyans continued to adapt to their new reality, one thing was clear: the pandemic had brought about a new normal, and it would take time to adjust.
