COVID-19

On 1st June Kenyans celebrate Madaraka day, this year was an exception as it was done virtually amidst the Corona virus pandemic. 57 years of Madaraka, the government saw it fit to recognize contributions from patriotic individuals who have played their part and role in different ways cutting across all sectors in the fight against covid-19. President Kenyatta decorated 68 Kenyans with new Presidential Order of Service award known as 'Uzalendo Awards.'

CS Education Minister, Prof George Magoha appointed a 10-member team dubbed the COVID-19 Education Response Committee chaired by Dr. Sara Ruto the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Council Chairperson. Their mandate is to explore ways to restore normalcy in the basic education sector's academic calendar, advise the CS on ways of on-boarding students when the schools re-open, document all COVID-19 related matters, lessons learnt and recommendations for future preparedness. Schools have been closed since March 15, after the outbreak of coronavirus in the country.

The first case of COVID-19 reported in Kenya in the month of March saw the closure of schools on March 16th this year forcing students to vacate all learning institutions. The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has prompted schools to be adoptive in the use of technology to ensure their learners can still continue with their education albeit digitally. The University of Nairobi reacted swiftly moving all courses onto the online platforms and conducted virtual classes. So far, 5500 of these classes have been held in the course of the semester.

COVID-19 first broke out in Wuhan, a city in China in December 2019, this is common knowledge to everyone. Fast forward to 5 months later and this virus became a global pandemic; not being a respecter of persons or country, shuts down the world, forcing people to stay at home, void of social interactions that make us humans. Then began the theories it was manufactured in the lab, it is a biological warfare, and so on and so forth. Does this come as a huge surprise that Wuhan lab admits to having three live strains of bat coronavirus on site? Did you gasp?

Kuppet has proposed that schools partially open in June to allow candidates to sit national exams and final-year students clear universities. Lecturers of public universities, a human rights body and a teachers’ union have rejected a proposal for partial opening of schools in June, arguing that Kenya risks reaching the 30,000 mark in new coronavirus infections by August.

Software can be used to develop apps that detect when a user has spent time near another user who later tests positive for the virus. Apple and Google have released long-awaited smartphone technology to automatically notify people if they might have been exposed to the coronavirus.

The platform, dubbed NMG Leadership Forum, seeks to encourage dialogue on key issues affecting the country such as economy, agriculture, health, governance and financial markets. Nation Media Group in collaboration with the University of Nairobi has launched a platform where professionals, stakeholders, leaders and Kenyans will get an opportunity to discuss issues related to development.

The platform, dubbed NMG Leadership Forum, seeks to encourage dialogue on key issues affecting the country such as economy, agriculture, health, governance and financial markets.

Kenya on Wednesday 20th May 2020, acquired two mobile laboratories and testing kits from Germany to help fight Covid-19 as the number of cases passed the 1,000 mark. The Health ministry announced 66 new cases bringing the national tally to 1,029.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said at a press briefing that of the new cases 62 are Kenyans and 2 foreigners. Mr Kagwe announced an extension of cessation of movement in and out of Eastleigh and Old Town estate in Mombasa until June 6. Malls and eateries will remained closed until the same date, the CS announced

Tanzania’s government on Monday 18th May 2020, announced an indefinite ban on cargo drivers from Kenya in an escalated response to a recent directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta on mandatory COVID-19 screening at the border point. President John Magufuli’s government which has lifted most COVID-19 restrictions including a 14-day quarantine period for international tourists arriving in the country accused the Kenyan government of undermining free trade.

All Ugandans aged six years and above will be given free face masks in a bid to protect themselves against the coronavirus, President Yoweri Museveni has said. “This mask must be worn all the time when you are in public. Whether you are sneezing, talking or coughing. Since many people raised the issue that they cannot afford these masks, the government has decided to provide these masks to all Ugandans (aged) six years and above,” Mr Museveni said in a televised address.