This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect Kenya, citizens are expressing frustration over the government's handling of the situation. One of the issues that has sparked debate is the ban on social gatherings, which has led to the cancellation of public holidays.
Ogola Obimbo, a concerned citizen, believes that the government should use the funds allocated for public holidays to improve the living standards of people in the slums. He argues that the prevailing economic conditions should teach Kenyans to prioritize public finances over celebrations.
Another issue that has raised eyebrows is the restriction on flights, which has caused massive losses to the economy and the national carrier, Kenya Airways. Dickson K., a Kenyan in Texas, USA, suggests that instead of shutting down airports, the government should ask travelers to provide the most current Covid-19 test results.
Profiteering from the virus is another issue that has sparked outrage. John Kimani is appalled by the tendency of some individuals and organizations to take advantage of the pandemic to enrich themselves. He wants assurance from the authorities that they will not allow the pandemic to be used by certain bodies to generate money.
Lucy Njoki, a business owner, is also frustrated with the ban on mitumba (used clothes) imports over Covid-19 fears. She finds the decision illogical and hypocritical, especially when other goods are allowed to enter the country.
Julius Karegi, a resident of Nairobi, is experiencing a water shortage despite the heavy rains in the country. He accuses Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company of failing to live up to their expectations.
Mutuma Mathiu's article in the Sunday Nation on May 10, 'Nairobi under curfew: Police on the prowl, thugs on the hunt and Kibra fast asleep', has been praised by Duncan Willets as a first-class piece of reporting on the adverse consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic.
