This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
Kenya confirmed its first coronavirus case on March 13, prompting authorities to implement measures to curb the spread of the virus. While a full lockdown has not been imposed, the impact on daily life in Nairobi is significant.
AFP spent a day exploring how the measures are affecting the capital and its 4.3 million inhabitants. The health crisis has exacerbated social inequalities and battered the economy of the regional powerhouse.
At the Ndenderu police checkpoint on the outskirts of Nairobi, armed police monitor vehicles and pedestrians. Only those with authorization, such as drivers carrying essential goods, are allowed to pass.
Edward, a 25-year-old driver, showed a stamped pass from his boss that enabled him to continue on his route to deliver flour to a town 75 kilometres northwest. Since April 6, Kenya has blocked movement in and out of Nairobi, three coastal towns, and the northeastern county of Mandera.
Two refugee camps have also been cordoned off, as well as one suburb in Nairobi and one in Mombasa. The measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of the virus, which has resulted in 582 cases and 26 deaths in Kenya.
Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe has urged citizens not to make a mockery of two months of efforts as social distancing fatigue sets in. Normally congested during rush hour, central Nairobi is quiet.
Brothers N. Shah and S. Shah, both in their fifties, are feeling the impact of the pandemic on the economy. Their bicycle spare parts store is doing only 10 percent of its usual business.
"People don't have money. If you don't have money to pay your rent, you don't have money for shopping," says S. Shah. Their neighbour, A.J. Shah, is struggling to pay his rent and the salaries of his four employees.
Java, a popular restaurant chain in Nairobi, has continued operating, albeit at a much reduced pace. The chain plans to reopen gradually after the government approved a supervised resumption of restaurant activity.
Grocery stores, such as Foodplus, have also had to make changes. Masks are required, thermal screening takes place at the entrance, and shopping carts are regularly wiped down with disinfectant.
As the curfew approaches, a police helicopter shines its spotlight on Kibera, one of the largest slums in Africa. Residents are struggling to make ends meet, with many facing a 25 percent reduction in earnings.
The city centre is deserted, with only a few people out and about. A sign at the headquarters of the Nation Media Group broadcasts prevention messages: "Stay home", "Wash hands".
