Good morning fellow Kenyans,
Today we mark 36 days since the first COVID-19 case was announced in the country.
Most of us feel relieved that Kenya, and Africa at large, is recording very few numbers vis-a-vis other countries, especially in Western Europe and the United States.
However, looking at the statistics more keenly, one would notice a very worrying trend that should have us all concerned.
The US is leading with the number of infections currently at around 750,000 and deaths at 40,000.
While the first case in the US was reported on January 23, 51 days before the first case was reported in Kenya, only 53 coronavirus cases were confirmed and reported by the world’s biggest economy in the first month. This is compared to 197 recorded in Kenya in its first month.
Elsewhere, in the United Kingdom, only 36 cases were confirmed in the first month of the first reported coronavirus case. By Sunday, April 19, the European country had 120,000 cases with over 16,000 deaths.
The same can be said for, France, Italy, and Spain. For instance, in France, the country had recorded only 12 cases in its first month but the infections stand at 152,000 and about 20,000 deaths. Italy had just 34 cases in the first 30 days and now they are at 179,000 infections with 24,000 deaths.
Spain, which is the country with the second-highest numbers, had almost similar numbers as Kenya in its first month having recorded 150 cases. It now has close to 200,000 infections and over 20,000 deaths.
Even as we celebrate low numbers in Kenya and Africa, let’s note that these statistics show a gloomy future ahead for the country and continent. Some models have predicted around 28,000 deaths in Kenya with the United Nations putting a worst-case scenario of up to 300,000 deaths and over 10 million infections.
Therefore, in Kenya, as we continue to bash the government for their actions and inactions, let’s do so with a genuine cause for both worry and cautious optimism.
Here are the stories making headlines today:
Govt Announces Fate of Those Breaking Curfew Laws
The government has warned that anyone found violating the curfew order to contain Covid-19 will now be put under mandatory quarantine at their own cost.
This follows increased cases of people breaching across the country, including incidences where revelers have been arrested while making merry in bars.
MPs Have Failed Virus Test, Shows Poll
Kenyans believe their MPs are failing the war against the spread of coronavirus in the country, a new study shows.
The opinion poll by Infotrak reveals most Kenyans are not happy with their MPs’ intervention and voted them last amongst key stakeholders at the forefront of dealing with Covid-19.
Brazilian President Joins Protest Against Stay-at-Home Orders
Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on Sunday joined hundreds of demonstrators outside army headquarters in the capital Brasilia protesting stay-at-home orders issued by state governors.
The crowd of around 600 called on the army to intervene in the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and demanded the closure of Congress.
Arror and Kimwarer dams’ saga has once been brought into the limelight after flash floods wreaked havoc in Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties. Do you think if the monies meant for construction were not squandered we would have prevented such a catastrophy?