Kenya has decided it is time to leave again.
After a meeting of the National Government at the State House with representatives of the 47 counties ended late yesterday evening, Wednesday, June 10, President Kenyatta agreed a series of measures to move to the so-called "Phase 2" and gradually reopen the country's economic activities.
The goal set of 30,000 isolation beds is an ambitious and necessary goal, as announced last Saturday by Kenyatta, but the Government with the allocations to the counties aims to achieve it within a month.
But it is not only health care that is being looked at, in the meeting attended by Vice President Ruto, there is the ad hoc review of the financial plans for the year 2020-21 that will necessarily include the prevention and containment measures of Covid-19.
The meeting also addressed issues that are fundamental for the country and suggested by public opinion and associations: the reopening of places of worship such as churches and mosques, to regulate which will be set up an inter-religious committee, the reopening of schools so that education is ensured without further hindrance. From the Minister of Education George Magoha comes the confirmation that from September 1 will be back among the desks with a new school calendar.
Next Wednesday a summit will be held to establish guidelines for the gradual reopening of the economy. Kenyatta urged Parliament and county governments to work closely together to find appropriate solutions to address the emerging economic crisis, as well as the health emergency.
"This pandemic offers us the opportunity to improve our country's health service once and for all," Kenyatta said, "without thinking about party interests or political divisions, let alone ethnic discrimination. To grow as a nation we must embrace this opportunity and make it part of the Kenya project".
Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe pointed to Machakos County as an example to follow, for how they have linked health needs with the economy. For example, by involving "jua kali" craftsmen in the manufacture of beds for insulation structures. In every sector, creating a circular economy involving every economic and social stratum is essential to keep the country afloat and prepare it to start again.
Treasury Minister Ukur Yattani has also quickly ensured an in-depth analysis of the economic impact of the pandemic, with focal points on which to focus to restart.