This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
On May 9, 2020, the government implemented a lockdown in Eastleigh, Nairobi, and Old Town, Mombasa, in an attempt to contain the rising number of coronavirus infections.
However, the lockdown has had the opposite effect, creating a humanitarian crisis in the areas. Residents are facing hunger, deprivation, and helplessness, with shops and food stores shut down.
Many residents rely on informal businesses and live from hand to mouth, making it difficult for them to cope with the lockdown. The situation is desperate, with families running out of stocks and struggling to access essential services like water.
The government's decision to militarize the lockdown has only made matters worse. The use of teargas and water cannons against residents has created bad blood and made people resistant to the measures.
Containing the spread of Covid-19 requires tough decisions, but the government must act smartly and create support systems to help the people cope. This includes providing food rations or allowing designated members of households to go out and source for family upkeep.
