This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
Kenya's Marginalised Communities in the Time of Covid-19 ¶
Published on May 21, 2020
Although cities are often seen as places of inclusion and participation, they can also be areas of exclusion and marginalisation. The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, marginalised groups in cities have been hit the hardest.
According to the 2019 census in Kenya, the lack of reliable data is a major barrier to meeting the needs of marginalised groups in cities. The census provides good data that can be leveraged to understand the population, its diversity, and social demographics. This understanding helps the government and other organisations to allocate their scarce resources more effectively.
There are two major sub-types of marginalised communities in Kenya: ghetto areas of low-quality blocks of flats and slum areas or improvised shelters. The main challenges in these areas include overcrowding, fear of eviction, and lack of identification documents. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, making it difficult for these communities to access essential services.
During this pandemic crisis, there is a strain on food supply chains, with the ongoing heavy rains adding to the difficulties of getting produce from farms to consumers. To address this, the government and other organisations must work together to ensure the supply of staple commodities is functioning well. This includes creating e-commerce platforms and other flexible avenues to support farmers' production and market for their produce.
One-off or multiple cash transfers through mobile money transfers can help cushion vulnerable families during this socially disruptive situation. The government has released Sh 8.7 billion for a cash transfer programme to support vulnerable groups during the pandemic. Mobile phone operators in Kenya have also waived money transfer fees for transactions below Sh1,000.
However, in the absence of reliable data and formalised structures, there is a likelihood of missing out those who need this support most. It is essential to create linkages between farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders to address the needs of farmers and consumers. This includes establishing food collection centres where farmers can take their produce after which it can be transported to cities.
