This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, it has become clear that the government's safety measures have not been effective in all areas.
From Mombasa's Old Town to Nairobi's Eastleigh estate, which is now under lockdown, residents have shown defiance against the safety drives, sticking to their old ways despite the deadly nature of the pandemic.
Many have failed to maintain social distance or use protective devices such as face masks, and have even defied mass testing, which could help save lives.
These actions demonstrate that awareness and sensitisation about Covid-19 have not achieved the desired effects, and more needs to be done to ensure that knowledge translates to behaviour change.
Measures such as testing and quarantine have been perceived as a form of punishment, leading many to fear being traumatised by confinement and subsequent rejection by neighbours.
However, the government can correct this by launching more aggressive public education campaigns to eliminate stigma around Covid-19, encouraging citizens to voluntarily come forward for screening.
The public also needs to play its part by observing the rules and regulations meant to flatten the transmission curve.
