This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
On May 22, 2020, the Kenyan government expressed concern over the reluctance of some citizens to seek healthcare services due to fear of contracting COVID-19.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe assured the public that all hospitals, except those designated for COVID-19 patients, are open and ready to serve Kenyans.
Appealing to mothers, Kagwe emphasized the importance of seeking maternal, child, and immunization services for their well-being and that of their children.
“Separately, all other remaining facilities will continue to provide healthcare services. People should therefore have no fear, whatsoever,” Kagwe said.
During a press briefing in Machakos County, Kagwe was hosted by Governor Alfred Mutua, who shared similar sentiments, urging citizens to exercise their right to medical care.
Governor Mutua also requested assistance with Personal Protective Equipment, aiming to provide free masks to all county residents.
“We have contracted our vocational colleges to manufacture masks to give nearly 1.5 million people masks in the next two months,” he said.
Kenya confirmed 52 new positive cases of the coronavirus on Friday, with 8 cases reported in Kibera, the country's most populous slum.
The government is considering stricter measures in the area to prevent further spread of the disease.
