During the summit, also addressed by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, a progress report on the roll-out of the minimum Covid-19 response measures required ahead of the re-opening of the economy was presented. The report was presented by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who is also the chairperson of the Council of Governors.
Mandera Governor Ali Roba called for increased testing of capacity for each county as well as livelihood support for the vulnerable families.In his report, Oparanya said counties had attained a total of 6,898 isolation beds against the national target of 30,500 units. He said 12 counties had met the 300 isolation beds threshold per county, while 34 devolved units were on course to meet the target within the month.
On human resources, Oparanya reported that 16,914 health personnel had been trained on Covid-19 management, among them 59,449 community health volunteers.
The governor said 36 counties have a cumulative sum of 343 ICU beds while 28 counties have a total of 337 ventilators. Universities may reopen but with strict adherence to social distancing, screening before lectures, wearing of masks and strict protocols expected to be unveiled on July 6.
The Interfaith Council chaired by Catholic Bishop Andrew Muheria will work on worship protocols for all churches, mosques and religious gatherings with tough rules which may admit only 30 people per service, sources privy to the discussions said.
The business community are equally tasked with developing protocols for each industry with focus on self-policing and implementation of health guidelines.Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o challenged the summit to tell the president the truth about the need to lift restrictions. “The fact is that rural markets have never been closed at all.
They continue to operate even without following social distancing protocols.”And there are irreducible minimums that must be observed by each sector before the country can be opened up fully.There was a unanimous strong push for local and international flights to resume to ease travel and revive the dying tourism sector.
Narok Governor Samuel Tunai said the wildebeest migration was underway and Kenya was missing out on opportunity to cash in.
There were light moments when Bishop Muheria said what happens when a congregant under a tree has signs of fever. “How do you isolate such a patient?” And he said his interfaith council had resolved that “such a congregant may be isolated under another tree.”
The conference invited the private sector and interfaith council to deliberate on critical issues facing the nation before the economy can be opened up.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani painted a grim picture, saying they were not collecting revenue because of the depressed economy and there was an urgent need to reopen and revive businesses.
Only Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru missed out on the session and sent apologies through Oparanya, as she attended to her battles against an impeachment motion currently before the Senate.
“We shall facilitate phased reopening of the economy but 34 counties that have isolation bed shortfalls must be ready within 11 days,” said Uhuru.
