This archive report was first published on 17 May 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, it has become clear that the government's response has been lacking in one crucial area: engaging with the very people it is trying to protect.
When the first case was reported in Kenya, the government moved quickly to respond to the emerging crisis. However, in the rush to mount a comprehensive public health response, ordinary citizens were left behind.
Commercial entities were allowed to push their products in the guise of Covid-19 public health messaging, confusing the public and undermining the government's efforts. Politicians took it to the next level by branding sanitisers donated or bought by the taxpayer and splashing their names on billboards, all in the name of fighting Covid-19.
As the number of cases continued to rise, the government's messaging became increasingly confusing. Restaurants were allowed to reopen, but only to sell alcohol with food - a move that seemed to prioritize the interests of the hospitality industry over the health and safety of the public.
Ordinary citizens, or 'Wanjiku', were left to navigate this complex and often contradictory landscape on their own. Many were confused and frustrated by the government's lack of clear and consistent messaging.
However, there is hope for a more effective response. By empowering Covid-19 survivors to take the lead in fighting stigma and passing public health messages, the government could achieve better compliance and reduce the spread of the virus.
A powerful example of this approach can be seen in the activism of people living with HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which has helped to reduce stigma and improve care.
By involving Covid-19 survivors in the decision-making process and giving them a seat at the table, the government could tap into their knowledge, skills, and ability to grasp complex issues and provide practical solutions.
As the vice-chairman of the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance of Kenya, I believe that this approach is crucial to the success of our Covid-19 response.
