This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
Published on May 10, 2020, the Ministry of Health's projection of 10,000 Covid-19 infections by the end of April fell far short, but the actual number remains unclear.
Kenya's restrictive measures, including a curfew and quarantines, may not be enough to stop the virus's spread. The country's low caseload compared to Europe and North America raises questions about the effectiveness of these measures.
While China's aggressive lockdown measures were successful in stopping the virus, Kenya's partial lockdown may not be enough to contain the spread. The country's informal settlements, where more than 60% of Nairobi's population lives, are particularly vulnerable to the virus.
Despite the government's efforts, life in Nairobi's informal settlements continues as usual, with little evidence of social distancing or caution. The same is true in the city's middle-class suburbs, where crowding and carefree socialising are common.
The government's restrictive measures, including a ban on travelling in and out of Nairobi and Mombasa, are being defied by some residents who are using 'panya' routes to evade police roadblocks or bribing their way through.
It remains to be seen whether Kenya's measures will be enough to stop the virus's spread, or if the country will become the next epicentre of infections.
