A strong national resolve imperative in times of crisis

The confirmation of Kenya’s first coronavirus case by the National Influenza Centre Laboratory on March 12 was a turning point. Although spreading like a wildfire globally, Kenya had hoped it was largely safe from exposure to this deadly pandemic. But fast forward, it became clear that it was a global health crisis that every country would eventually need to face.

Fear around the coronavirus has been palpable the world over, with nations, both developed and developing, handling it with sweaty palms as job losses loom, stocks plummet and an uncertain future beckons. It is plainly a turning point for countries and governments.    

The true test of leadership comes during a crisis. Locally, efforts to defeat Covid-19 have been so far so good. With President Uhuru Kenyatta’s unveiling of a 7pm to 5am curfew besides a raft of radical measures to cushion the vulnerable and mitigate corona effects on the economy, our preparedness seems reassuring even if bumpy.   

The National Emergency Response Committee and the National Security Committee need support at this crisis moment. Quick thinking is integral for containing any crisis of this magnitude. The Cabinet and more so Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe have taken good control of the situation with constant briefings that have enabled Kenyans to stay with the story.

There is no doubt that the days, weeks and months ahead will not be easy. The economic effects and job losses that will likely follow will affect us all. Mounting uncertainty as to the future of the pandemic will also prove stressful. As a nation and a people, we should rely on those we elected to office to adequately address this challenge. At the continental level, Kenya should persevere and work together with our African brothers and sisters, putting differences aside to support one another.

National resolve is imperative during these trying times. The government is doing its best to contain the crisis. We must support the government’s efforts and more importantly, take precautions and be each other’s keepers. The President was reassuring when he said the government would do everything possible to ensure an effective response to the now global challenge of Covid-19. The tax reliefs, for instance, are timely. Although drastic steps have been put in place courtesy of the Public Health Act, they may not make much sense if Kenyans fail to cooperate. Without maximum attention and cooperation by every citizen, it may not matter how much the Ministry of Health beefs up our preparedness capacities.

The new orders include a ban on all public gatherings, including sports matches, the cancellation of inter-school events as well as a recommendation against unnecessary travel. The cleanliness and safety of public transportation, which many Kenyans rely on to move around, is similarly being reinforced. It behooves us to sacrifice in these difficult times.

Understanding that extensive funding would be needed to cushion our economy from the inevitable blow, Uhuru ordered a budgetary review. This will give preference to funding prevention and crisis management activities and will assist those industries negatively affected. This budgetary response will also facilitate the recruitment of additional emergency response personnel. These brave men and women will stand ready should the crisis worsen.

We need more measures targeted as mitigating the grim affects. In emergency times there is no us or them. Coronavirus does not distinguish between supporters of ODM or Jubilee, nor does it differentiate between members of different tribes. If we can learn anything from the coronavirus pandemic, it is that the only way to live up to the challenge is by weaving a stronger fabric of patriotism and nationhood.  

- The writer is a communications consultant