This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
Published on May 11, 2020, a report on increased vehicle traffic on Nairobi roads and people within the Central Business District sparked a question: why were Kenyans defying the advice to treat the disease abnormally?
Collins Odote reflected on his earlier writings about the pandemic and its relevance 50 days later. The government had done commendable work to address the virus, but Kenyans' actions suggested a mix of factors at play, requiring a change of strategy and more concerted explanations and engagements.
With the entire government apparatus mobilized, the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus has been coordinating the response. However, the challenges of the last few days demonstrate that the health response and public order apparatus may have been overemphasized.
According to the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Eritrea, Eritrea's success in containing the virus could be attributed to harnessing social capital networks within the society. Kenya must learn from this argument to recalibrate its actions.
Mass testing was proposed, but citizens' reactions were baffling. Few people turned up for tests despite publicity, pleas, and threats from government. The actual problem arose from fear of being quarantined in a government facility at their own cost.
Stigma is another issue. The Head of Public Service issued a circular directing public servants to accept colleagues back after isolation or quarantine. However, the focus was largely on public order, a move that has been deployed extensively in the fight against the pandemic.
Two months into the pandemic, society has developed certain perceptions. Some question the existence of the virus, while others are returning to their daily life situations, struggling to eke a living and address social and economic challenges.
Against this background, citizens question the sincerity of government action. Questions about funds for the pandemic, availability of masks and sanitiser, and general distrust of government are playing into the national psyche and citizens' attitude.
It is essential that the Response Committee prioritizes more engagement with citizens, focusing on re-energizing their commitment to the fight, rather than relying on a medical and security-only approach.
