COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS PRESSERS ISSUED IN THE WAKE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Chairman of the Council of Governors H.E Martin Wambora and the Chairman of the Health Committee H.E Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o have been issuing weekly press statements for the past one month in the wake of the surging COVID-19 cases. The purpose of the statements is to appraise Kenyans on the steps County Governments continue to take in order to respond and manage COVID-19 cases. The addresses delivered over the last month have been made in the context of the measures announced on 26th March, 2021 by His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta owing to an exponential surge in COVID-19 infections and deaths in the months of February and March 2021. 

The Council of Governors weekly press statements have focused mainly on the following:

1. Status of bed capacity in Counties: On tracking the pressers, it has emerged that bed capacity in the Counties available for patients in isolation centers has steadily increased by 50 from 6,203 beds to 6,253 beds; In the case of ICU beds, there has been an increase of 15 available beds from 297 available beds to 312 beds available for new patients; while HDU beds available reduced by 4 from 114 beds to 110 beds available for new patients.

2. COVID-19 Vaccination: Cumulatively in 31 Counties as per end of April 2021, a total of 469,496 doses have been received out of which 379,572 doses have been administered as follows: - healthcare workers – 73,690, security officers– 32,000, teachers – 69,035 and others – 204,847.

The Council of Governors therefore noted with concern that there was an uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine by individuals above 58 years of age but there is still much more awareness that needs to be done by. Counties so as to demystifying the propaganda surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. 

3. Economic Stimulus Package: Despite the stinging budgetary constraints, there are County Governments that have rolled out interventions geared towards cushioning Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) against the ravaging effects of the pandemic. These include: Nakuru, Embu, Lamu, Machakos and Nyeri Counties.

4. Status of Oxygen Supply: With a sudden increase in demand for oxygen, Counties such as Nakuru have increased their production capacity from 40 cylinders per day to 120 while Kisumu has two oxygen generating plants that have a production capacity of 375 litres per minute at full capacity. Additionally, Kisumu County already has a 6000kg of liquid oxygen storage tank for use.

5. Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV): It has emerged SGBV cases have significantly increased over the last one (1) year. The imposition of restrictions in movement and curfews has left many victims silenced and without access to safe shelters. As a response to the worrying SGBV trends, the Counties of West Pokot, Makueni, Migori, Vihiga, Bungoma and Meru in partnership with the National Government have established rescue centers to offer safe spaces for victims of SGBV. There are Counties like Mombasa and Meru who have also established County SGBV Working Groups comprising of the police, healthcare workers, social workers and other key partners.

6. Support from Development Partners: Collaboration in the health sector between County Governments and development partners has deepened. This has resulted in a boost in donations such Protective Protection Equipment such as surgical masks and face shields that would be benefit various health workers in the Counties.

Some key challenges being faced by Counties have been highlighted in the weekly press statements. These include:

Testing of COVID-19 in Counties: By the end of April 2021, a number of Counties were still unable to conduct tests by RDT or PCR due to the unavailability of testing kits. Such Counties are at risk of being overwhelmed by the spread of the virus. Thereby, Counties affected have had to engage with the Ministry of Health on this matter.

Disbursement of County Equitable Share of revenue: As at end of April 2021, the National Treasury had disbursed a total of Ksh.13.7 Billion to 25 County Governments, leaving the current outstanding amount owed to County Governments at Kshs. 70.2 Billion with: -

• Kshs 3.9 Billion owed to Nairobi City County for the months of December and January;

• Kshs 13.3 Billion owed to 47 Counties for the month of February;

• Kshs 25 Billion owed to 47 Counties for the month of March; and

• Kshs 28 Billion owed to 47 Counties for the month of April.

The Council of Governors intends to liaise with the County Assemblies Forum so that together, County Governments can rigorously advocate for the immediate release of these outstanding funds.

The Council of Governors will continue working with its stakeholders to ensure that County Governments remain well equipped to effectively respond and manage the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts.