This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
Kenya's capital, Nairobi, is a city of contrasts, where the wealthy and the poor live side by side. But with the spread of the coronavirus, the city's residents are facing a new reality.
Since March 13, when Kenya confirmed its first coronavirus case, authorities have implemented various measures to curb the spread of the virus. While a full lockdown has been avoided, the city's residents are feeling the impact.
At the Ndenderu police checkpoint, on the outskirts of Nairobi, police inspector Julius Kariuki Mugo explains the rules: 'The only people who can go through are the ones with the authorisation: the lorries carrying food, doctors, etc.'
Edward, a 25-year-old driver, shows a stamped pass from his boss that enables him to continue on his route to deliver flour to a town 75 kilometres northwest.
Kenya has blocked movement in and out of Nairobi, three coastal towns, and the northeastern county of Mandera since April 6. Two refugee camps have also been cordoned off, as well as one suburb in Nairobi and one in Mombasa.
As the virus cases jump, authorities fear rampant community transmission in slums and poor areas of the capital and second city Mombasa. There have been 582 cases and 26 deaths, and Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe has urged citizens not to make a 'mockery' of two months of efforts.
Businesses are feeling the impact, with many struggling to stay afloat. In a store that sells bicycle spare parts, brothers N. Shah and S. Shah are feeling the pinch. 'We're doing 10 percent of our usual business,' says N. Shah.
Physiotherapy practice owner Victoria Choi explains that working from home is not an option for her business. 'For us, working from home is not an option,' she says.
Even institutions like Java, a popular restaurant chain, are feeling the impact. 'We've been affected a lot since we're only doing takeaways' and home deliveries, explains Pamella Gavala, deputy manager of the franchise.
