COVID19 in Kenya
At Marafiki we are working hard on supporting our projects in Kenya during this time in the most sustainable way possible. We have set up this page in order for you to keep up to date with us during this time.
The COVID19 pandemic is having a huge effect on the Kenyan economy, which relies heavily (not exclusively though) on tourism. The social distancing rules, lockdown of the greater Nairobi and Mombasa area, and closure of many restaurants and shops is also stalling other forms of business. Little by little Kenya is opening up - the curfew has been extended for another month until the beginning of July, but it is now from 9pm to 4am, allowing businesses to run for a usual time frame.
Our focus at the moment is as follows:
Provide food in a sustainable way to the Children’s Homes we work with in the greater Nairobi area.
Provide educational materials to the Children’s Homes so that they may continue some areas of education between now and the re-opening of schools in September
Working with our local network to train and match individuals to jobs that are currently needed locally
So what is the latest news in terms of lockdown?
Due to COVID19, the Government of Kenya has extended the ban of international passenger flights into Kenya until July 6th 2020. Though we are very supportive of this measure it does affect travel for those volunteers planning on coming to Kenya this summer. We will await further instruction from the Government at that point and we hope that numbers will have reduced by then and we can start receiving volunteers.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education has decided to keep the schools closed until the 1st of September 2020. This is not only in line with international guidelines, but also an efficient way to stop the spread of COVID19. Unfortunately, it does add extra pressure to the Children’s Homes to keep surviving without their usual school fees, as well as the families catering for breakfasts and lunches at home