NAIROBI, Kenya, May 22 – The government said it is concerned over the reluctance by a section of Kenyans to seek healthcare services over the fear of contracting COVID-19.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the government has designated COVID-19 specific hospitals in all counties, leaving all other hospitals open and ready to serve Kenyans.
Kagwe particularly appealed to mothers to seek maternal, child and immunization services for their well-being, as well as that of their children.
“Separately, all other remaining facilities will continue to provide healthcare services. People should therefore have no fear, whatsoever,” Kagwe said.
Kagwe spoke at a press briefing held in Machakos County, where he was hosted by county governor Alfred Mutua.
Governor Mutua matched Kagwe’s sentiments, urging citizens to exercise their right of getting medical care.
Mutua also appealed for the assistance of Personal Protective Equipment, saying they were hoping to give all county residents free masks.
“We have contracted our vocational colleges to manufacture masks to give nearly 1.5 million people masks in the next two months,” he said.
New cases
On Friday, Kenya confirmed 52 new positive cases of the coronavirus.
Out of the new cases, Kagwe said 8 were from Kibera, Kenya’s most populous slum.
Kagwe said the government is mulling on adopting more stringent measures in the area, to ensure the disease does not spread further.
There are 1,161 people with the virus in the country, while cases of recoveries have jumped to 380, after some 5 more patients were discharged.
