By Mary Hearty
Majority of Kenyans wanted the lockdown and curfew measures to continue within the Nairobi Metropolitan, says a report by TIFA research firm.
According to the respondents, continuation of the restriction measures would help reduce the number of COVID-19 infected persons within the country, which was 8,525 cases by 7 July.
Also, they said there are inadequate equipment to aid in fighting the disease in health facilities at the county level. Moreover, following stigmatization brought by this disease, the number of affected people showing no signs and have not been tested yet could be even higher.
TIFA Research is an African based full market research company offering market, social and sports research to transform data to insights and then into action.
President Uhuru made the announcement ending secession measures put in place on 6 July for resumption of movements.
According TIFA report, 86% and 79 percent of those interviewed opposed lifting of travel ban and curfew respectively.
Lifting of travel ban would result in the rapid spreading of this disease even in rural areas where the number of cases is still considered low.
On the contrary, a clear majority of those interviewed before his announcement, that is, 59 percent expressed support of the two measures to be lifted.
Kenyans: Restrictions should come to an end so that people can resume their normal economic activities. We want movements restrictions ease even if the virus is spreading”
Again, they said the curfew has reduced their ability or that of any household member to earn money on a daily basis.
“At least 79 percent of those in all monthly salary categories experience income losses since March,” report indicates.
In addition, TIFA research anticipated that local crimes are likely to increase if restrictions on movement and work continued as residents steal in order to get money for food.
These contradictions implied that either one or more among other several factors might be involved.
These include a general trust of those in authority to make the right decisions; support for the president based on ethnic or political affiliation.
Furthermore, the reasons he had given in his remarks that the continuation of these restrictions are in the public’s best interest, which was supported by various public health officials.
The country now awaits the next decision to be made by the president in order to make a balance between public health following the rising number of cases and reviving the grappling economy.
All these are yet to be assessed thoroughly.
