This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
Kenya's hospitality industry was among the first to feel the impact of Covid-19 when the virus landed in the country in March 2020.
At a city hotel, employees like Joan Ndangwa were laid off in the dead of night, with some receiving emails informing them that their services were no longer needed due to the pandemic.
"When the first case was announced in the country, the hotel management panicked. Just over a week later, an announcement was made that our guests should leave the hotel by 11pm and the staff to leave by 12am," Ms Ndangwa recalled.
Many of her colleagues were forced to find new ways to make ends meet, with some taking up menial jobs like hawking small wares or engaging in online writing.
Others, like Jane Sirengo and Doreen Atieno, turned to farming to survive, selling vegetables from their farms to locals.
As the pandemic continues to affect the country, thousands of Kenyans are still waiting for their livelihoods to be restored.
"This coming week, I will be seeking a product promotion job that will enable me to get through this tough period. Also, it will help me to gradually prepare myself financially so that I can be able to start my own business by next year," Ms Ndangwa said.
Her story is a reflection of the struggles faced by many Kenyans who have lost their jobs and livelihoods due to the pandemic.
As the government works to contain the spread of the virus, many are holding on to hope that their livelihoods will be restored soon.
