The outbreak of Novel Coronavirus leading to the COVID-19 disease, which begun in China towards end of 2019 has since become not only a global public health pandemic, but also an economic crisis of unquantifiable proportions. There is no global economy that has been left untouched by this crisis, Kenya included.Interruption of global distribution networks has affected sources of intermediate inputs in Kenya’s manufacturing sector and their ability to supply both the domestic and regional markets; the horticulture sector has suffered from lack of critical inputs, imports of finished consumer products affected, stoppage of international travel, closure of hospitality facilities, among other effects.
To contain the spread of the virus, Kenya, just like other global actors, responded by putting in place containment measures including stay-at-home measures, prompting closure of some businesses while others scaled down operations. Most business activities slowed down while some others totally closed down. In responding to these and to ensure that distribution networks for essential goods and services did not grind to a halt, the government, through the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development, came up market guidelines as well as a list of essential services. These have served the economy fairly well over the first three months of implementation of containment measures.
It is however noted that no one is certain about the end of the pandemic and for this reason there is need to put in place a mechanism for gradual re-opening of the economy. “The Guidelines for Living with COVID-19” are aimed at allowing business to reopen while at same time strictly observing the social distancing and other containment measures. The guidelines, though not exhaustive provide a framework within which individual operations can be safely run. The guidelines have been developed in consultation with various sector associations and business member associations. Individual businesses, companies, office premises, etc., are expected to derive Standard Operating Procedures from the guidelines for the smooth operation of their enterprises. Each actor is expected to strictly observe the implementation of the SOPs for which they will take responsibility. The guidelines and SOPs will be subject to regular updates to be issued from time to time by the Ministry of Health.
BETTY C. MAINA, CBS
CABINET SECRETARY