This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
On May 6, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, with Kenya being no exception. The virus has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable members of society, including children, women, the elderly, and those financially challenged.
According to data from the pandemic's ravages, racial minorities in the developed world, such as the US, have been the worst hit. In Kenya, the same trend is observed, largely due to years of gender insensitivity and economic disasters.
As the country confronts this reality, it is imperative that men and women of goodwill engage in a productive conversation leading to concrete and viable actions to cushion the vulnerable from imminent disaster.
Basic needs like food, water, and shelter must be provided as soon as possible. Other needs and wants can wait out the pandemic.
Philanthropists have shown generosity in distributing food to the needy, but more needs to be done in a sustainable fashion. Food stamps for the vulnerable can enable them to do basic shopping at any outlet.
The recent experiment of sending money directly to the vulnerable is a welcome action by the government and should be implemented in all 47 counties urgently.
Regarding water, our focus should be on ensuring it is available at no fee to these people. Innovative and inexpensive ways should be sought to purify and channel rainwater rapidly to the affected populations.
On shelter, especially in urban and peri-urban areas, more sobriety is required, away from populist statements by politicians. The proliferation of housing zones in towns, such as Dandora, Githurai, and Kibra, has led to a complex situation.
Landlords and tenants are intricately intertwined in a basic survival dance. Some tenants are unable to pay rent due to the pandemic, while landlords are still servicing loans or relying on their houses as the sole source of income.
To find a lasting solution, we need to involve all stakeholders, including banks, landlords, tenants, and the State. Banks can suspend loan repayments for landlords, and the State can compensate the bank and the house owner for loss of earnings.
Entities providing free water and electricity should also be compensated by the State. A compensation model would ensure that there is no unbearable strain on banks, landlords, or utility companies as they strive to provide free housing for the next six months.
