The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how business is done. It has also changed the way people live and how they work. I spoke to a few Kenyans, and this is how the pandemic has affected their lives.
Name: John
Isemeki Owino,
Lecturer,
Moi University, Uasin Gishu County.
1. Where
were you and what were you doing when you heard the news of Kenya announcing
the first case of COVID-19?
I was at
the University of Nairobi. I was with a few postgraduate colleagues doing some
lab work.
2. Where
are you presently?
Currently
in Eldoret
3. How has
the pandemic affected your lifestyle and your work?
We closed
indefinitely, so no going to work. Work from home.
4 Are you
satisfied with what the GOK is doing to contain the situation? If no, what
workable solutions would you suggest for GOK?
The GoK is
trying their best, but I think in case of a total lockdown, then the government
should provide essential stuffs to its people. Wako na huduma number details
zetu, I guess?
5. What
lessons have you learnt from this pandemic so far?
Always be
thankful to God for seeing another day.
6. If you
survive this pandemic, what would you do differently?
Pray
frequently
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7. How is
your daily routine like?
Wake up
early, thank God for another day, mark students' papers, read, listen to music,
and sleep.
Name:
Dominic Kiplangat Bore
Student of
economics, University of Kabianga, Kericho County.
1. Where
were you and what were you doing when you heard of the news of Kenya announcing
the first case of COVID-19?
I was on
campus going about my course. In fact, we were remaining with about a month to
put an end to the 8-4-4 system when the institution was closed indefinitely.
2. Where
are you presently?
I am now at
home in Bomet county, trying to stay safe.
3. Up until
now, how has the pandemic affected your lifestyle and your work?
It has
halted my academic progress. I am just lying idle at home, not knowing when I
will graduate.
3. Are you
satisfied with what the GOK is doing to contain the situation? If no, what
workable solutions would you suggest for GOK?
I am
dismayed by the manner in which the GOK is handling this issue. To be fair to
them, they have tried to catch up with the situation, but they neither have the
ability nor the will that will defeat this disease.
The first
step in solving a problem is admitting that there is a problem, defining the
problem, investigating what the problem is then embarking on the solution. They
are still living in denial! They should own up and admit that they are the
cause of this problem. They, in fact, imported coronavirus to us! From there they
should organise their house!
Three
scenarios;
1. The
situation gets better or stays as it is
2. We go
the Italy way
3. It gets
worse than the Italian case
These plans
should be handled meticulously, and everything required should be itemised.
They probably need experts. Experts on governance.
The manner
in which this quarantine is being implemented may result in the suspension of
the rule of law by residents of some areas.
The economy
will suffer. That's obvious. What the Gok can do is to minimize the shocks.
That alone requires plans and counter plans as well as sacrifices and political
will from their side. They should, for now, ensure that the income sources of
microeconomic units remain operational because they are the producers and
consumers. They should ban lay-offs, salary cuts, unpaid compulsory leaves,
etc.
They should
also ensure the availability and accessibility of food to all Kenyans. While
availability can be easily done, accessibility will require a lot of work and
plans.
Finally,
they should come out clean and tell us the real figures, what they expect, and
what we should expect ourselves. This will help us make the necessary plans, as
well.
5. What
lessons have you learnt from the pandemic so far?
Sometimes
products from China are genuine. People should mind about themselves.
6. If you
survive this pandemic, what would you do differently?
I will live
one day at a time. I will mind people's interests more and choose better
leaders.
7. What's
your daily routine like?
Wake up,
charge my phone, cook, chat on Facebook, eat, sleep, and the circle continues.
Name:
Rodgers Otieno
Civil
servant, Siaya County.
1. Where
were you and what were you doing when you first heard the news of Kenya
announcing the first Case of COVID-19?
In the
office. And I had just resumed my job after 30 days leave.
2 Where are
you presently?
Self-quarantining
at my place.
3. Up until
now, how has the pandemic affected your lifestyle and your work?
A lot has
changed. I can't hang out with friends as I used to. I can't even go to work.
4 Are you
satisfied with what the GOK is doing to contain the situation? If No, what
workable solutions would you suggest for GOK?
Yes. The
government is trying. The problem is that the public has taken the whole issue
casually. Many are ignoring the measures put by the government.
5. What
lessons have you learnt from the pandemic so far?
We need to
be deliberate with life. Life is short. We are all vulnerable. Family is
important. Never let friends occupy the place of family or time meant for the
family.
6. If you
survive this pandemic, what would you do differently?
I'll be
deliberate with every life decision. No more with procrastination. It will be
about making every moment count.
7. How is
your daily routine like?
I have maintained my waking up and sleeping
time. Daily activities are not predetermined. I'm not a routine person. But in
a day I have time for family, time for reading both classwork and general
reading. I take a 30 minutes walk or ride daily. Listening to music but not TV.
I'm not a TV person except for the news bulletin. Cooking has become my new
passion.