Explore every option in view of rising coronavirus infections

The rising Covid-19 infections have left Kenyans with nothing but a clear picture of the monumental challenge ahead. 

There’s no denying that the coronavirus situation has quickly transformed into anxiety and alarm from that of denial as Kenya leads the region on numbers tested, number of positive cases as well as deaths from the global crisis. 

Yesterday, the country recorded 688 new cases, the highest ever reported in a single day since the pandemic struck four months ago. Admittedly, we had expected the numbers to escalate with the large sample sizes being tested. 

However, at this rate, the figures can only mean two cardinal things — finding the right response to this new disease and confronting uncomfortable truths about our incapacities against what lies ahead. 

Indeed, the future will be tough in the wake of conspicuous logistical challenges, technological inadequacies, our carefree attitude and our ill-preparedness to handle the unfolding situation. 

A new report now projects that by November next year, 31 million Kenyans will have been infected by the virus, going by current transmission rates. And the death toll could reach heart-breaking numbers. 

Worryingly, it says that between March 2020 and Jan 2021, 88 per cent of Kenyans will have been infected. Current estimates, however, show that 68 per cent of the population will be infected between March 2020 and November 2021.

The report, Targeted Testing Strategy for Coronavirus Disease in Kenya, that was recently shared with technocrats in the coronavirus task force aims, at defining the most appropriate approach to achieve the current testing needs of the country in a bid to manage the spread of the virus.

Another grim reality is that Kenya does not have the capacity to run the required number of tests to stay ahead of the disease. Not only, don’t we have enough, we are not doing enough. Up to 10 million tests will be needed by February 2021 to stay ahead but we are falling short of this projection by 7.4 million tests. The Health Ministry document, however, uncovers that currently, only 28 laboratories countrywide have the capacity to successfully run Covid-19 tests. The country’s ability to conduct around 50,000 tests a week still falls short of the recommended Ministry of Health testing levels.

Also, the projected demand for test kits between now and September stands at 730,000, meaning the country could possibly run out of this crucial equipment in the next few weeks. These findings should jolt us into swift action.

Experts fear September may record highest number of fatalities from the disease especially given that the stringent containment measures that slowed spread, such as lockdown and curfews, have since been lifted. 

These teething challenges notwithstanding, we call on the Health Ministry not to relent but focus on the job at hand. An effective procurement plan will be key in enhancing the country’s testing capabilities although this may depend on the global supply-demand chain.

Time is of essence in this fight. The government should identify and address the weakest links in the Covid-19 war, such as the public transport, funerals and political groupings. Heeding experts’ advice and putting every coin into proper use are paramount.

We believe investing in more isolation facilities, screening, civic education and training of additional medical personnel to handle emergencies would add value to the fight.

Importantly, the State should encourage Kenyans to take personal responsibility for their health. It’s no longer about the law. We also reiterate the need for extra measures to protect health workers and vulnerable people like the elderly, children, and those with underlying health conditions.

Covid-19 is a communal disease and from fighting previous diseases, such as SARS and Ebola, experience tells us that these diseases know no boundaries. This fight requires a concerted global action. No country is an island in this enormous war.