Effective Implementation of Public Health and Social Measures in Kenya: Situational Analysis

Public health and social measures should respond to data about the growth of the epidemic and be implemented in a way that engages communities. Communities should be involved in helping to determine strategies for adapting measures to the local context, protecting livelihoods, and introducing appropriate relief measures to counteract the economic impact of these measures. The government should counter misinformation with appropriate risk communication and engage with communities to ensure voluntary adherence to COVID-19 response measures.

• The COVID-19 epidemic is growing slowly in Kenya, compared to other African Union Member States. However, testing data are limited, so caution should be applied when analyzing epidemiological trends.
• The government has implemented strong measures to contain the virus, with a nightly nationwide curfew, and restricted movement in and around five cities and towns (Nairobi, Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa, Mandera). Population mobility has fallen since mid-March in line with these measures. To cushion the economic impact, the government is increasing cash transfers to vulnerable people.
• According to survey results, urban Kenyans are keenly aware of the COVID-19 crisis and the vast majority think it will be a problem for the country; only half see themselves as being at high personal risk for infection. Significant misinformation persists, some of which may provide a misplaced sense of protection or contribute to stigma which could lead to violence or prevent people from accessing needed care.
• While a majority expresses support for and trust in the government, there is disapproval and distrust among a significant minority, to a greater degree than seen in other Member States.
• Kenyans will face a significant burden in adhering to lockdown measures, with around three-quarters likely to run out of food and money in less than a week.
• There have been numerous reports of police violence to enforce curfews and other measures, with 11 fatalities reported.