The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a double shock to Kenya, with both an economic and health crisis. When the first confirmed COVID-19 case was reported, the government provided several directives and instituted measures to contain the spread of the virus, including restricted geographical movement; stay-at-home directives; evening curfews; and various public health measures such as mandatory wearing of masks in public, social distancing, and hand washing and sanitising campaigns. Initially, 2% of the population tested positive, with a majority (85.9%) of these cases being asymptomatic. However, the incidence continued to rise, with urban areas reporting higher rates than rural areas. Like  many other countries, Kenya experienced several waves of infection and the introduction of new variants. Interventions have been guided by WHO guidelines,  adapted to the Kenyan context.

Contributors: Agnes Munyua, Alex Ofori Mensah, Batbayar Ankhbayar, Francis Mensah Asenso Boadi, Humberto Silva, and Pavel Manjos. This blog is produced by the Primary Health Care Financing and Payment Collaborative. Governance is an important building block for...