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Kenya

As of today, Kenya has reported 15 cases of persons infected with Corona Virus and are on a government health facility in quarantine. The first case was reported on Sunday, March 15.

Other than the usual WHO measures that the government has enforced, the President called for a National Day of prayer. All international flights cancelled with the exception of Cargo carriers. Schools are closed. With all people encouraged to work from, the government has launched google looms to support people working from home with free access to internet and support in disseminating of information up to the rural areas. The government has also embarked on mass production of hand sanitizers, for free distribution to the public. Fumigation of markets and other public areas, by the public Health Officer.

Utooni Development Organization (UDO)

Solar Pumps have been substituted for hand pumps for the establishment of shallow wells and the provision of antiseptic soap, pails, sanitizer etc. for those community members working on the project in the bid to mitigate against COVID-19. UDO is also insisting on physical distancing with community groups in the collection of materials (rocks, gravel sand etc.) and allowing only one person in the hole to dig the well etc. The solar pumps will serve many more beneficiaries and result in “less hands on” to draw water.

Any combat against COVID-19 will require more clean, potable water and a lot of soap in these communities as now recommended by governments such as Tanzania who now find it near impossible to access face masks, rubber gloves and ventilators anywhere in the world. 

NCCK (National Council of Churches) Kakuma Refugee Camp

In terms of work implementation at the camp, we follow the requirements for all agencies:

  • Suspension of all incoming missions to Kakuma refugee camps, unless regarded critical for the emergency response delivery.
  • Movements of staff between the country locations and across the borders strictly guided by the Business Continuity Plan. Operational movements allowed if related to delivery of critical activities. Only essential staff should remain working physically present in the offices.
  • No meetings held in person if they comprise above 5 persons, virtual meetings encouraged
  • No travel of refugee movements allowed unless granted movement passes in advance by Refugee Affairs Sectreatriet (RAS).
  • Refugee relocations from Nadapal, Kitale and from other locations (such as students and other returning to Kakuma) to be coordinated closely with RAS and other relevant partners with medical screening measures to accompany the process.
  • Medical screening facility established by IRC at Kakuma main hospital. Refugees returning to the camp will be screened, and provided with hygiene information.  New arrivals should self-isolate if staying in the camp with daily monitoring by health workers.  
  • Those accommodated in the reception center will be quarantine for 14 days.
  • Public awareness campaign on hygiene and health promotion on COVID 19 to take place via community leaders meeting, sms messaging, posters and radio spots.
  • Ministry of Health officials established medical screening station at checkpoint.
  • Hand washing stands are located in key refugee service-delivery locations by UNHCR.      
  • Our assistance and protection activities to be reduced to life saving; the priority is continued provision of WASH, Health, Nutrition, Food.
  • To suspend voluntary repatriation, resettlement and relocation from Dadaab to Kakuma.
  • NCCK also undertakes health programmes for urban refugees. We have ensured that our staffs have the required protective gears as we continue to serve the people in need.

ECLOF Kenya

  • Measures to keep staff safe, and to continue with business.
  • We are ensuring safety of our staff as per the WHO guidelines
  • Our groups are not meeting but are paying through Mobile Money
  • We are continuing to lend while assessing the current risk
  • Some of our staff have taken leave and others are working from home. We still have some staff in the offices carrying out essential functions to sustain our business.
  • Some of our on going projects are on hold as training and gatherings are cancelled. 

Church World Service

Most staff are working from home more with virtual meetings. Kenya is on partial lockdown with about 31 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Program implementing at communities is slowing down as CWS model of work is through groups. We are keeping safe and praying that God saves His People.