Home Tags Posts tagged with "Covid-19 pandemic"
Tag:

Covid-19 pandemic

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has said that all higher learning institutions will remain closed until January 2021.

In an announcement made on Thursday July 30th, 2020, Prof Magoha noted that colleges and universities are not Covid-19 compliant.

Several Counties have been using public learning institutions as Covid-19 isolation centers.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday cleared doubts on reopening of learning institutions, saying the government will give a clear roadmap in a few days’ time.

The President directed CS Magoha to call for an education stakeholders meeting to discuss how schools, colleges and universities will be reopened.

He said the stakeholders meeting will be called within a few days’ time and official dates for schools and higher institutions learning institutions to reopen will be given.

Universities and colleges were scheduled to be reopen in September.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Foreign Affairs PS Macharia Kamau, who tested positive for Covid-19 last week has taken on government over billions meant to fight the pandemic.

PS Kamau was forced to hand over his duties to political and diplomatic secretary Ambassador Tom Amollo as he went into isolation.

According to a report by The Star on Thursday July 30, 2020, PS Macharia regretted that the government’s contact tracing has collapsed.

The local daily reported that there is no access to proper care and even more tragic is that there is no medical insurance cover for the virus, as per PS Macharia’s observation.

The PS has questioned the country’s management of the pandemic and wondered what the billions spent so far have achieved.

“For all the billions that have been spent on this campaign, it’s hard to imagine that at the point of contact where the disease actually happens, there is no system to make sure that we have access to proper care and the proper contact tracing is actually done to keep track of those who are not well or maybe infecting others,” Macharia is quoted to have said in a WhatsApp group of top government officials.

Macharia said after he tested positive, he quickly informed his contacts about his condition, but to his surprise, none of them have been contacted by the government. 

The PS said no one has been in touch with him about contact tracing.

He said he has had malaria-like symptoms – hot and cold flushes and intense dizziness as well as disorientation, although he is yet to go to hospital.

Days before the virus arrived in Kenya, Macharia termed as “short-sighted, careless and xenophobic” Kenyans who raised the red flag about the government’s handling of the pandemic.

He hit out at critics saying coronavirus is “not the first global epidemic and is not the most deadly”. 

This was after a Southern China Airline arrived with 239 passengers in Nairobi from Guangzhou – the then second-most affected region in China – triggering an immediate uproar from Kenyans. 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Citizen TV journalist Jeff Koinange has tested positive for Covid-19.

Taking to his official social media handles on Monday July 20, 2020, the JKLIVE show host revealed to his fans that his test had turned out positive.

He however, revealed that he was doing good, and that he has not shown any symptoms for the virus.

He said that his family was fine, and that all his close contacts have been informed.

The celebrated journalist said that he is currently in self isolation, thanking the Royal Media Services Management for its Support.

He has urged Kenyans to stay safe.

“Folks, just to let you know, I have tested POSITIVE for Covid-19. I’m doing Good..NO symptoms…and my Family is fine. All my close contacts have been informed. Right now I’m in self isolation. Many thanks to Royal Media Services Management for its Support. Stay SAFE & God Bless!” reads his post.

He is the second Citizen TV journalist to have contracted Covid-19 so far.

His colleague at Citizen TV, Stephen Letoo has also tested Covid-19 positive and is currently in isolation.

He had also revealed that he did not show any symptoms to the virus at the time he did his test at a Nairobi Hospital.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday July 20, 2020 convened the fifth extraordinary session of the National and County governments coordinating summit.

The summit will be held on Friday July 24, 2020.

According to a press statement issued by State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena, the session has been convened following the surge of Coviod-19 infections across the country.

Out of the 47 Counties, coronavirus has now manifested in 44 counties. The cases started rising after the head of state opened up inter-county lockdowns, allowing Kenyans to travel freely.

The Friday meeting shall assess the Counties’ state preparedness within the wider national response to the Covid-19 pandemic and evaluate Kenya’s overall national response and capacity.

It shall also review the efficacy of containment measures in place and review the impact of the phased easing of the restrictions that were in place.

It shall also consider the evolution of the disease and medical models on how Covid-19 may propagate in Kenya within the months of August and September 2020.

Image

The Health ministry on Sunday July 19, 2020 announced 603 more cases of the coronavirus, raising Kenya’s tally to 13,353.

This number arose from the testing of 5,724 samples, Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said in a statement.

The cumulative number of samples tested in Kenya since the first case of Covid-19 was reported in March rose to 243,887.

The ministry further announced 682 more recoveries, raising the total number to 5,122, and nine more deaths, raising the fatality county to 234.

Of the patients who recovered, 562 were under home-based care while 120 were in hospitals.

Mr Kagwe noted infections are still rising so the public must not drop their guard in the fight against the virus.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Nairobi County Senator Johnson Sakaja has resigned as chairman of the Senate Adhoc Committee on Covid-19.

Sakaja has this morning presented himself at Kilimani Police station.

Sakaja went to the police station accompanied by Makueni senator Mutula Kilonzo jnr (in official governemnt vehicle) and Lawyer John Khaminwa.

He was released on a Ksh10,000 bond.

His lawyers say that he will be charged tomorrow but say the police have not revealed the charges he will face.

Sakaja also publicly apologized to Kenyans for going against the Covid-19 protocols.

Sakaja had been arrested on Saturday morning at a club in Kilimani, Nairobi for flouting Covid-19 safety guidelines.

Police found him at Ladies Lounge along Dennis Prit road while drinking in the company of 10. He was later released on a free bond and was to go back to the station and record his statement before being arraigned today (Monday July 20, 2020).

Police had started looking for him after he failed to record the statement. He had been given up to Sunday evening, but he did not show up.

He had allegedly switched off his phone and went into hiding.

According to Nairobi police boss Philip Ndolo, following his release on Saturday, Sakaja had promised to present himself to the police.

“He has not recorded the statement. I am sure he will be recording anytime. We don’t know his whereabouts. He said he would present himself to the police. We hope he will keep his word,” Ndolo was quoted by a local daily.

He was arrested with three others and according to a police report, he became unruly after being ordered to leave the nightclub. He incited the others into staying put.

The officer on patrol called Regional Orderly officer Mr Asambasa who approached the senator in vain.

Mr Asambasa too called Deputy OCPD Kilimani Adan Hassan who arrived with a team.

It is then that he became violent and put his hands up to be handcuffed.

After being taken into custody, Sakaja is said to have threatened to have the officers at the station transferred within 24 hours.

He also declined to be released on free bond. After reports of his arrest went viral, he took to social media to deny, saying that he had not been arrested, and will never be arrested.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Nairobi County senator Johnson Sakaja has this morning presented himself at Kilimani Police station.

Sakaja went to the police station accompanied by Makueni senator Mutula Kilonzo jnr (in official governemnt vehicle) and Lawyer John Khaminwa.

Sakaja had been arrested on Saturday morning at a club in Kilimani, Nairobi for flouting Covid-19 safety guidelines.

Police found him at Ladies Lounge along Dennis Prit road while drinking in the company of 10. He was later released on a free bond and was to go back to the station and record his statement before being arraigned today (Monday July 20, 2020).

Police had started looking for him after he failed to record the statement. He had been given up to Sunday evening, but he did not show up.

He had allegedly switched off his phone and went into hiding.

According to Nairobi police boss Philip Ndolo, following his release on Saturday, Sakaja had promised to present himself to the police.

“He has not recorded the statement. I am sure he will be recording anytime. We don’t know his whereabouts. He said he would present himself to the police. We hope he will keep his word,” Ndolo was quoted by a local daily.

was arrested with three others and according to a police report, he became unruly after being ordered to leave the nightclub. He incited the others into staying put.

The officer on patrol called Regional Orderly officer Mr Asambasa who approached the senator in vain.

Mr Asambasa too called Deputy OCPD Kilimani Adan Hassan who arrived with a team.

It is then that he became violent and put his hands up to be handcuffed.

After being taken into custody, Sakaja is said to have threatened to have the officers at the station transferred within 24 hours.

He also declined to be released on free bond. After reports of his arrest went viral, he took to social media to deny, saying that he had not been arrested, and will never be arrested.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has named two vocal Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MPs in a Ksh 7 billion Covid-19 funds scandal.

The controversial lawmaker on Sunday July 19, 2020 claimed that Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Homabay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga were allegedly part of the Kenya Medical Supply Authority (KEMSA) scandal.

According to Kuria, the PPE tender was given to an individual in single sourcing, and when investigations were conducted, Junet Mohammed and Gladys Wanga were given the Ksh7 billion tender.

Kuria further argues that the matter would have been discussed everywhere only if Kenya had a working opposition.

He claims that the matter is not being addressed because opposition went to bed with the government through the famous March 2018 handshake.

He urged Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe to stop touring the country and focus on solving the mstery behid the scandal.

The MP went as far back as when the independence party KANU united with KADU and noted that the period was marked by some of the country’s biggest scandals, most notably the looting of land.

Kuria warned that the union of ODM and the Jubilee Party could witness the same looting and even greater than previous ones experienced in the history of the country.

He added that the Kenya Medical Supply Authority (KEMSA) could be a first of many to come in the country.

KEMSA has been on the spotlight after the recently unearthed procurement and financial irregularities that jeopardised more than Ksh100 billion of donor funds as well as allegations of misuse of funds meant to boost the fight against Covid-19.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

A total of 4,261 samples were on Wednesday July 15 tested, out of which 461 have tested positive for Covid-19.

This now brings Kenya’s case load to 11,252 and pushes the country’s cumulative tests carried out so far to 225,495.

Speaking at Afya House while giving the daily Covid-19 updates, Health Chief Administrative Secretary Rashid Aman said the positive cases have 432 Kenyans and 29 foreigners.

Out of the new cases, 320 are males and 141 are females. By age, the youngest is a one year old infant while the oldest is 86.

On a positive note 51 patients have been discharged from various hospitals bringing to 3,068 the number of recoveries from the disease in the country.

Nairobi has 248 cases, Machakos County has 97 cases, Kiambu has 20 cases, Kajiado has 15, Migori has 14 cases, Busia has 12, Nakuru has 11 cass, Laikipia has seven (7), Nyeri with seve (7) as well, Kilifi has six (6), Lamu has four (4), Uasin Gishu with four (4) as well, Kakamega has three (3), Kisii has three (3) too, Kisumu has (2), Makueni has two (2), Mombasa has one (1), Taita Taveta has one (1) and Bomet also with one (1) case.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Kenya has registered 497 new coronavirus cases.

This is after a total of 4,922 samples were tested. Kenya’s total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases now stands at 10,791.

Speaking on Tuesday July 14, 2020 at Afya House during the daily Covid-19 updates, Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi noted that the figures will keep rising and should worry Kenyans.

CAS Mwangangi also noted that five more people have succumbed to the virus, raising the total number of fatalities in the country to 202.

However, in the last 24 hours, 71 have been discharged raising the recoveries to 3,017.

Kenya now has 7, 574 active cases of Covid-19.

Acting Health DG, Dr Patrick Amoth had earlier on announced that 41 staff workers at the Pumwani Maternity hospital tested positive for COVID-19.

While assessing the situation outside the hospital, Dr Amoth said out of the 290 staff that were tested, 19 are healthcare workers, while 22 are support staff.

Dr Amoth also stated an isolation centre would be created for staff who would not have met the criteria to self-isolate at home.

However, the acting Health DG assured Kenyans who want to visit the facility that the hospital is safe.

Speaking on Monday July 13, 2020 during COVID-19 daily briefings on Monday, health CS Mutahi Kagwe said that mass testing was being conducted at the hospital after a section of Kenyans raised concerns.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

The government through the Ministry of Health on Sunday July 12, 2020 confirmed 379 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, totaling the number of positive cases in the country to 10,105.

“Today, we have tested 7,050 samples, out of which, 379 people have tested positive for the virus. The cumulative number of tests conducted so far is now 215,037 and the total case load in the country stands at 10,105,” reads a statement from the Ministry of Health.

Out of the positive cases 376 are Kenyans while three (3) are foreigners, with 253 being males, and 126 of them female. The youngest is a two year old child, while the oldest is 97 years.

The 379 positive cases are in: Nairobi (209), Kiambu (49), Busia (38), Migori (19), Mombasa (16), Kajiado (12), Uasin-Gishu eight (8), Lamu six ( 6) Machakos five (5), Nakuru five (5) Narok two (2), Wajir two (2), Kisumu two (2), Garissa one (1), Isiolo one (1), Kericho one (1) Nyamira one (1) Nyeri one (1) and Trans-Nzoia one (1).

Nairobi, cases are in: Kibra (52), Langata (45), Kamukunji (28), Dagoretti North (17), Makadara (17), Embakasi Central nine (9), Embakasi East eight (8), Westlands seven (7), Dagoretti South four (4), Embakasi West four (4), Kasarani four (4) Roysambu four (4), Ruaraka two (2), Embakasi South two (2)Mathare one (1) and Starehe one (1).

Kiambu has 49 case in: Ruiru (16), Kiambu Town (15), Lari seven (7), Kikuyu four (4),Limuru two (2), Thika two (2), Gatundu South one (1), Kabete one (1) and Kiambaa one (1).

Busia has 38 case in: Teso North (18), Matayos (15) and Teso South five (5).

In Migori, 19 cases are in; Suna East seven (7), Kuria East seven (7) and Kuria West five (5).

In Mombasa, 16 cases are in: Mvita nine (9), Jomvu four (4), Nyali two (2) and Likoni one (1). In Kajiado, 12 cases are in; Kajiado East seven (7), Kajiado North three ( 3 ), Kajiado Central two ( 2).

In Uasin-Gishu, all eight (8) cases are in Turbo. Lamu has six 6 cases in Lamu West .Machakos has five (5) cases in Kathiani three (3) and in Athi River two (2).

Nakuru (5) cases are in Naivasha four (4) and Nakuru West one (1). Kisumu two (2) cases are in Muhoroni and Nyando.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has broken his silence on the issue of motivational speaker, pastor Robert Burale being a Covid-19 patient.

Speaking in Mombasa County on Thursday July 9, 2020 while responding to a question raised by one of the journalists, CS Kagwe said he don’t know any person called Burale.

Responding to the question of whether Burale was paid to act as a Covid-19 patient, Kagwe said that the government has not, and cannot pay someone to act.

He however noted that Burale can be literally sick but Kenyans have taken it as a joke.

Soon after preacher and motivational speaker Robert Burale spoke out about testing positive for COVID-19, netizens had varied reactions.

was the subject of discussion across social media with some saying they find it hard to believe that he has the coronavirus.It was shortly after that that netizens created a challenge to mimic his hospital video. This prompted Kenya Film Classification Board CEO Ezekiel Mutua to advise netizens to refrain from mocking and making jokes about other people’s health.

While giving an update on his health from his hospital bed, Burale earlier cautioned Kenyans from taking the pandemic lightly.

While breaking news of his admission at The Nairobi Hospital, Burale explained that he owes it to his family and friends to publicly declare his COVID-19 status. Upon receiving the news, he said he was scared and immediately thought about his daughter whom they had been spending time together. However, in his post, Burale confirmed that his daughter is okay.

The country has recorded 447 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours after testing 3,803 samples bringing the total to 8,975.

This is the largest number of confirmed cases in day since the first case was reported in the country.

CS Mutahi Kagwe said a total of 64 patients were discharged bringing the total number of recoveries to 2,657.

Four more people also succumbed to the disease in the last 24 hours bringing the death toll to 173.

Kagwe said since the cessation of movement was lifted three days ago, the government has been focusing on county preparedness to fight the curb of COVID-19.

He urged county governors who had not reached the maximum of 300 beds as proposed by the Ministry of health to do so.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Kenya has registered 278 new Covid-19 positive cases.

Speaking in Makueni County on Wednesday July 8, 2020, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said that the 278 people tested positive from 3,053 samples run over the last 24 hours.

This now brings the total number of case load in the country to 8,528, from a total of 196,508 samples tested so far.

However, on a good note, 89 patients have been discharged from various hospitals, bringing to 2,593 the total number of recoveries.

CS Kagwe also thanked the healthcare workers for their dedication and commitment to their duty.

“Today 89 patients have been discharged from various hospitals, bringing to 2,593 the total number of recoveries. I want to thank our healthcare workers for their dedication and commitment to duty,” Kagwe said.

On a sad note, Kenya has lost two more Covid-19 patients, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 169.

“We have lost two (2) patients to the disease, bringing our fatality to 169. Our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones,” said CS Kagwe.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced end of cessation of movement into and outside Nairobi metropolitan, Mombasa and Mandera Counties.

The cessation will lapse tomorrow (Tuesday July 7) at 4am.

However,President Kenyatta stated that the country had not hit 100% on preparedness across the counties but had made significant progress.

Addressing the nation from Harambee House, Uhuru further stated that the curfew would be extended by 30 days.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

President Uhuru Kenyatta is currently in a closed-door consultative meeting with his Deputy William Ruto.

Also in the meeting is a team of experts who are being consulted ahead of the 2pm Nation address.

The president is expected to address the nation today, following the expiry of a 30-day lockdown of some counties and dusk to dawn curfew.

This is the first time the President and his deputy are engaged in a consultative meeting since the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in Kenya in March.

Previously, DP William Ruto said that that they consulted through the phone, and could not engage a closed door meeting as a matter of security protocol.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

President Uhuru Kenyatta is likely to announce tougher Covid-19 measures on Monday July 6, 2020.

Kenyans are highly anticipating for lifting of cessation of movement into and outside the locked counties, as the current measures come to an end.

However, according to a statement issued by government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna on Sunday July 5, 2020, the government is likely to announce tougher measures.

Oguna in a statement posted on twitter said that the simplicity of the containment measures makes them very easy to ignore, and some of our people have literally abandoned them.

However, Oguna noted, if we must stop the spread of this virus, then we have no choice, but to obey them.

“The simplicity of the containment measures makes them very easy to ignore, and some of our people have literally abandoned them. However, if we must stop the spread of this virus, then we have no choice, but to obey them,” reads the statement.

Oguna further urged Kenyans to continue observing the current measures, which include proper wearing of face masks, washing of hands regularly, sanitizing hands using an alcohol based sanitizer and staying at home.

Kenya’s Covid-19 positive cases have been rising over the recent.

This evening, Health chief Administrative Secretary Rashid Aman confirmed 309 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 7,886.

The new cases are from 37 counties, which were confirmed after testing a total sample of 4,228 in the last 24 hours.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, many Kenyans have been negatively affected, with many losing their source of income.

This follows the massive job lay offs that have been witnessed, and continue being witnessed in many companies, due to the economic effects of the pandemic.

However, Kenyans may continue losing their jobs even after the end of the pandemic.

Machakos County governor Dr Alfred Mutua says that the massive lay offs may not cease when the Covid-19 is finally contained.

Dr Mutua on Sunday July 5, 2020 listed various reasons as to why Kenyans will continue losing jobs.

1.Inability of Kenyan Economy to Cushion its Citizens

Governor Mutua says that it is quite concerning when we hear of mass sackings of employees from Covid-19 economic hardships. However, he notes that the main problem is not Covid-19, but the inability of Kenyan economy to cushion its citizens during times such crisis.

2. Lack of Economic Freedom and Expansion

According to Governor Mutua, we have, as a society, been primed to place more emphasis on politics and tribal blocs rather than economic freedom and expansion.

He notes that this is the reason families are hurting and Kenyans are suffering due to lack of money and general hardships in life.

3. Lack of Innovation

Governor Mutua notes that in Kenya, voices on need for innovation, economic growth and development are relegated to the back.

He notes that Kenyan politics is not about policy but about formations and who is who. As a result, Governor Mutua notes, while other nations are providing unemployment benefits, money to industries, our people are being fired.

4. Poverty and loss of dignity

According to Governor Mutua, the political class is comfortable while wananchi are living on less than ksh100 a day.

“I see poverty and loss of dignity every day in a country with so much to offer. I play my part in rolling back poverty but clearly development is never viewed as a priority.

“For those who have slept hungry, like I have, living in a Nairobi slum, you know the pains of being poor. Therefore we must ensure that we have a vision of how to transform this country, ‘ he said.

5. Journalists not playing their role right

Governor Mutua has accused journalists and editors of not playing their roles right. He says that it is laughable and ironic that journalists and editors who should be focusing on economic issues, instead give front pages to political games and politicians who have nothing to offer.

“As a journalist, I can say this. It is laughable and ironic that journalists and editors who should be focusing on economic issues, instead give front pages to political games and politicians who have nothing to offer.

“Now, most of these journalists have been fired. The political class that they gave headlines and front pages to are Ok. The journalists’ families will soon be hungry,” he said.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrWhatsappTelegramEmail