The corona virus spreads worldwide, including Kenya. More than 2,000 people have been infected in the country (as of 2 June 2020, source: WHO). Strict measurements have been taken to slow down the spread.
Timothy Musa, a student at Pwany University in Kilifi and former exchange student in the ADDI project, who is still part in our Women Empowerment Project, describes the current situation to us:
“Since the reports about the first case of COVID-19 March 2020 in Kenya, there has been mass panic in different parts in the country. This has been ramparted due different cases reported globally and various deaths. The awareness about the pandemic keeps on increasing every day. Our minds are the most powerful tools humanity poses and through various cases the economy started to change. Kilifi women mainly depend on farming, selling of commodities in the market. Their activities have been altered following various regulations from the government. This has left many women with minimal daily business given their places have to be closed before 7 P.M. as stipulated in the Kenya Curfew. Since the outbreak Kilifi had recorded 6 cases of COVID-19; they have undergone all treatment and this has been a success for the county ta large. On 1 st May 2020, Kilifi County Governor announced there was zero cases of COVID-19 in Kilifi given all those admitted had recovered and there were no other infections. This has changed the face of Kilifi but it is required to adhere to all measure given by the government to minimize the risk. More testing is still underway to ensure the Pandemic is contained once reported.”
We are observing the developments and send all best wishes and health from Germany to Kenya.
Despite the current challenges, we are happy that the WEIKE women have been doing a lot of progress in their agriculture project. You can follow the project on our Facebook and Instragram page.