“The virus has changed the way we interact”: The reality of Covid-19 in Kenya
In part one of this miniseries, Concern colleagues and programme participants in Kenya share how Covid-19 has changed their lives, for better and for worse.
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“I miss fetching water together as a community, like we did before”: The reality of Covid-19 in Kenya
Since Kenya’s first case of Covid-19 was reported on 13 March 2020, the pandemic has impacted the lives of millions across the country. In part 2 of this miniseries, Concern colleagues and programme participants in Kenya share what they miss about life before coronavirus.
What do you miss about life before Covid-19?
“I miss attending the local chamas (get togethers) where we used to raise money as a group and give loans to each other for our businesses. I also miss attending the traditional weddings and attending church, since it is closed following the government directive.”
“I miss my business and what it meant for our family - it gave us financial freedom and kept us going. I also miss spending time with my two older children, as we had to leave the house we were living in to go to a smaller house and that meant sending them to their grandparents. It is so hard as a parent to stay away from your children. I miss that sense of normalcy.”
“I miss shaking hands, kissing my children, hugging my friends, socialising with my peers, and attending weddings and other cultural events. I miss attending the public barazas (local county administrative meetings) and sharing meals with friends and family. I also miss fetching water together as a community, like we did before.”
“There’s a lot I miss…the social interactions, spending time with people. Right now you see many people struggling and stressed some losing hope and committing suicide. I miss having a source of income like we did before the pandemic - we could afford to buy things and also pay our rent.”
“I miss taking part in sports, the free interactions with friends, colleagues and relatives that I used to have before the pandemic and the normal school calendar."
“I miss interacting and socializing with friends and family at weddings and traditional weddings. I also miss travelling to visit my relatives and friends and playing ajua (a local traditional game for adults).”
What we're doing in Kenya
Through our Coronavirus Emergency Appeal, we’ve been tackling Covid-19 in Kenya by improving people’s access to clean water, providing cash transfers so people can buy food and necessities, and supplying soap and hand sanitiser to prevent the spread of the virus.
Our awareness campaigns are ensuring that people receive accurate information about the virus, and we’re training healthcare workers to recognise and tackle the symptoms of Covid-19.
Donations have been providing a vital lifeline to the world’s most vulnerable people, but we need more support to continue this life-saving work. Please donate now to our Coronavirus Emergency Appeal.
