This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Kenya, with 2,474 infections reported, the country's health facilities are facing a significant challenge. To address this issue, Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Mercy Mwangangi has urged county governments to upgrade their health facilities to accommodate the growing number of cases.
Speaking at a news conference on COVID-19, Dr. Mwangangi emphasized the importance of county governments' preparedness in the fight against the virus, which has been confirmed in 34 counties across the country. With 47 county governments in Kenya, each managed by a Governor, Dr. Mwangangi stressed that it is imperative for Governors to move with speed and utilize the Sh5 billion disbursed to them from Treasury to upgrade their health facilities.
According to a report released by the Kenya Medical Association (KMA), the peak in health care utilization is expected to occur around February 2021, with up to 356,000 hospital beds and 115,000 ventilators required in that month alone. Nairobi, Kiambu, Meru, Machakos, Nakuru, and Kakamega are projected to consume up to 30% of the national resource requirements for the treatment of severe cases.
Dr. Mwangangi reiterated the need for Kenyans to continue observing public health measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus. She emphasized the importance of total compliance by Kenyans, especially in the observation of social distance in public gatherings, to lead to enormous success in the fight against the virus.
"As we soldier on, we are confident that the outbreak will eventually recede and the enemy will be defeated. We do not know when but we can hasten it by adopting modes of behavior that limit movement of the virus and eliminates surfaces that can promote infection," she said.
