This archive report was first published on 17 May 2020.
Published on May 17, 2020, a report by Tifa Research highlights the challenges faced by low-income areas in Nairobi in containing the spread of Covid-19.
The report, which was conducted between April 25 and 27, found that 69% of respondents in low-income areas were affected by the restrictions, but only 2% were able to self-isolate.
According to the report, the recent guidelines by the Ministry of Health requiring an entire room for isolation are inapplicable in the slums, where a majority of households have four to seven members living in tiny cubicles.
Respondents expressed high levels of concern with exposure to the virus, with 71% being 'very worried' about contracting Covid-19.
Women and older respondents, aged 35 and above, were more anxious, with most believing that the worst is yet to come.
On the other hand, 71% of those who were not worried believed the worst had passed and things would now begin to improve.
The report also noted that the imposition of travel restrictions on Nairobi residents had both social and economic impact, directly affecting 69% of respondents and their households.
Furthermore, the report found that the general effect of the pandemic was even worse, with an overwhelming 93% of the poor going through at least one tremendous life-changing effect since the first Covid-19 case were confirmed in the country.
Only about one-third of the population had received donations from the government, with 30% receiving cash, 38% relief food, and 15% masks.
Nearly nine in 10 slum dwellers believed that theft-for-survival had started and would most likely increase in future if the Covid-19 response movement restrictions were kept in place.
