This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
As Kenya slowly returns to normalcy following the lockdown and curfew, the country's coronavirus numbers may be on the rise. According to Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache, the numbers could surge to 50 cases per day.
Speaking on the current situation, Mochache said, "The numbers we are seeing are exactly what a recent modelling projected, that we will now start to see numbers going up to the 50's per day."
Despite the progress made in minimizing the spread of the virus, Mochache expressed concern that the country's return to normalcy may be counterproductive. "The fact that we are beginning to go back to normal business is a concern and it may pull us back; it's important that we recognize as Kenyans that the little we have done has made a very big difference," she said.
Kenya's testing capacity has been a major concern, with a maximum of 1,500 tests done in a day. The national research body, KEMRI, has been struggling to develop its own testing kits and conduct mass testing, despite having a 10,000 daily tests capacity.
However, Mochache refuted claims that KEMRI is incapacitated, saying, "As far as coronavirus is concerned KEMRI is properly facilitated to ensure that it undertakes its mandate both in terms of supporting the testing and in research."
