Dear Mr. President, This is What Kenyans Need During the COVID-19 Crisis

As positive cases of the COVID-19 continue to rise globally, Kenyans are bracing for a possible lockdown after countries such as South Africa and Rwanda enforce lockdowns.

On 23rd March 2020, Kenyans waited anxiously for President Uhuru to address the nation and hopefully announce measures that would help them in making life easier during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, much to Kenyans’ surprise and disappointment, the president only announced that Loon Internet Balloons had received approval to fly in Kenya.

In light of what is going on, Kenyans have asked the president to implement measures to help ease the burden since the Coronavirus is already affecting the economy.

According to financial analyst Steve Biko, here are some of the things Kenyans need during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in the country:

1. Suspended tax obligations self-employed and employed persons for a certain period until the COVID-19 crisis is over.
2. Free electricity for the duration of the crisis
3. Subsidized maize flour and rice
4. Subsidized airtime and data. This means giving telcos tax incentives
5. Suspend rent payment
6. Provide each household with vouchers for essentials milk, bread, rice, Unga and veggies.
7. Stop water rationing

COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in Kenya since the first positive case was confirmed on 13th March 2020, sending chills and panic across the country.

Health CS has urged Kenyans to stay home so as to avoid the spread of the disease but this has proven a hard task to achieve given that most Kenyans earn a daily wage so as to sustain their lives.

Total global cases of COVID-19 now stand at over 380,000 while deaths from the disease now standing at over 16,000.

Italy has been hit the hardest with the total number of infections now at 63,928 and health experts saying the situation is prone to get worse since almost all the confirmed cases are in critical condition.

Read Also: South Africa Announces 3 Week Lockdown Starting Thursday, 26th March