It has been almost a year since the first case of Covid-19 was reported in Kenya. The effects of the virus cannot be understated.
Like the rest of the world, we’ve had to make due with changes in our lives as individuals and as a society. Washing hands, something that was previously an afterthought, is now in the front of everyone’s mind. Social distancing has also become the norm with a late-night curfew still in place.
The country has also faced a tough economic period. Many lost their jobs and the remaining lucky few were mostly forced to work from home.
What everyone was asking is, when will this end?
Securing the Vaccine
As at 2nd February 2021, total Covid-19 cases in Kenya stands at 101,109. The government is still keen on bringing this pandemic to an end.
Apart from South Africa, Kenya was the only other African country that participated in the trials of the Oxford-Astrazeneca Vaccine trials. This was spearheaded by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
Source: VOA News
As such, Kenya has managed to secure a total of 47 million doses of the same vaccine. The African Union has also played a crucial part in this, having secured 11 million doses for the country.
This follows the vaccine getting approval from the relevant world governing bodies. The government has ordered a further 24 million doses from Gavi and is also planning on getting 12 million more doses.
When Is the First Batch of the Covid Vaccine Set to Arrive in Kenya?
The first batch of the doses is slated to arrive in Kenya by late February. In preparation for receiving the vaccines, several storage facilities have been built around the country. These are in Kitengela, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nyeri, Garissa, Meru, Kakamega, Mombasa, Nairobi and Nakuru.
What Do Kenyans think about the Covid-19 Vaccine?
The news of the vaccine coming to Kenya has received mixed reactions from Kenyans. While some are ready and willing to get the jab, many are still reluctant. Part of the reluctance has been blamed on misinformation spreading about the vaccine. Others are sceptical since they haven’t seen anyone else being vaccinated against the virus.
“Mimi sindano labda naona inaweza kukuwa ni mbaya, labda nione mtu mwengine amedungwa ndio pia mimi nikubali kudungwa.” said Grace Peter in an interview with Citizen TV.
Many still believe that using natural remedies is enough to protect them from the virus. Those who previously tested positive for Covid-19 also believe that they are immune. This is something that scientists are yet to establish.
The Ministry of Health has, however, acknowledged that more needs to be done to inform the public about the vaccine. A task force has, therefore, been set up to manage the deployment of the vaccine.
The task force accepts that cultural beliefs and attitudes have to be recognized when seeking to pass on the right information. They also state that the vaccination will be free and no one will be forced to take the jab.
Are you planning to get the Covid-19 vaccine? If not, why? Let us know in the comments section and as always, keep it C.O.K.
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