This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
As of Thursday evening, only 799 people had been tested in Kilifi County, with six individuals who had tested positive being discharged after recovery.
Despite Governor Amason Kingi announcing the start of mass-testing two weeks ago, the process has been hindered by the scarcity of testing kits.
Kingi expressed frustration over the shortage, stating that the county was ready to procure its own kits but was unable to do so due to a global shortage and the limited availability of kits with the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KeMSA).
"So when we get 20 kits, we only test the same. If we get 1,000 we shall test 1,000 people. This is frustrating because we are willing to test but we can't," Kingi said during the commissioning of the Kilifi County Covid 19 Medical Complex.
Published on May 10, 2020, The Standard reported that the county had planned to test all 1,800 health workers and subordinate staff within 14 days but was unable to do so due to the testing kits shortage.
