1.0 INTRODUCTION:

On 9th April, 2020, Kenya Community Support Centre (KECOSCE), being the convener of the Peace and Security Thematic Network of the Mombasa CSOs network organized a meeting for members to reflect on the impact of Corona Virus pandemic in Mombasa and come up with possible interventions to ensure the pandemic does not evolve to a peace and security crisis. The meeting was attended by:-

1. Judy Kimamo – Search for Common Ground
2. Abdulhamid Sakar – Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance (KIMYA)
3. Aisha Adan – Youth and women for peace and sustainable development (YOWPSUD)
4. Mary Maina – Inspire Life in Children (ILYCD)
5. Susan Lankisa – Collaboration of Women In Development- (CWID)
6. Janet Katisya – Lawquery
7. Joseph Syanda – Kenya Community Support Centre (KECOSCE)
8. Phyllis Muema – Kenya Community Support Centre(KECOSCE)
9. Jackie –Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics (CICC)

The meeting was being organized recognized what started as an epidemic mainly limited to China has now become a truly global pandemic. There have now been over 1,485,981 confirmed cases and 88,567 deaths, according the John Hopkins University Covid-19 dashboard, which collates information from national and international health authorities. The disease has been detected in more than 200 countries and territories, with Italy, the US and Spain experiencing the most widespread outbreaks outside of China. On 13 March, the first case in Kenya, a 27-year-old Kenyan woman who traveled from the US via London, was confirmed. The Kenyan government identified and isolated a number of people who had come into contact with the first case. The number of people testing positive to the COVID-19 has been on the rise since then and as at April, 8th, the number has reached 179.

2.0 GOVERNMENT RESPONSES

Response to the rise of corona virus cases in Kenya has been evolving from closure of schools and directive public and private sector workers work from home, wherever possible. Travel restrictions were later imposed to prevent non-residents from entry. Kenyan nationals and residents were required to self-quarantine for a minimum of fourteen days. All bars with restaurants allowed to remain open for takeaway services only. The Government has also undertaken measure to offer relief and increase disposable income for Kenyans. Including reduction and reliefs on taxes for employees and employers, and appropriation of additional funding the elderly, orphans, artists and musicians for all public service vehicles (i.e., matatus and buses) had to adhere to passenger-distancing guidelines. Further, all public gatherings at churches, mosques, funerals and elsewhere were restricted to no more than 15 people, and weddings were banned. Currently there is the cessation and restriction of movement orders for the Nairobi Metropolis, and Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale Counties

2.1 Economic response

The government also unveiled measures to buffer Kenyans against financial hardships arising movement restrictions associated with the coronavirus crisis, including:-

• 100% tax relief to Kenyans earning KSh 24,000 (US$228) and below.  Pay as you earn (PAYE) reduction from a maximum of 30% to 25%.
• Reduction of turnover tax rate from 3% to 1% for all micro, small and medium enterprises.
• Reduction of resident income tax to 25%.
• Making available KSh 10 billion (US$95 million) to vulnerable groups including the elderly and orphans, among others.
• Temporary suspension of the listing of loan defaulters for of any person, micro, small and medium enterprise and corporate entities whose loan account is in arrears effective 1 April 2020.
• Reduction of VAT from 16% to 14% effective 1 April 2020.
• The government also moved to increase allocation of funds for health care, along with other fiscal adjustments to the economy:
• KSh 1 billion (US$9.5 million) from the Universal Health Coverage kitty to be channeled to the employment of new health workers to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
• The President and Deputy President to take 80% pay-cut, all Cabinet Secretaries to take 30% pay-cuts, Chief Administrative Secretaries (30%) and Principal Secretaries (20%).
• All State and public officers aged 50 and above; and have preexisting medical conditions, to take leave from work, or be allowed to work from home. This directive excludes those public officers working in the security department.
• Central Bank of Kenya to lower the Central Bank Rate from 8.25% to 7.25%.
• Reduce the Cash Reserve Ratio from 5.25% to 4.25% to increase liquidity of KSh 35 billion to commercial banks, which, in turn, will be in positions to provide loan services to “distressed Kenyans”.
• Nationwide curfew and police response. The 7pm – 5am curfew announced on 25 March was accompanied by reports of police brutality especially in Likoni Ferry which resulted to the death of one Person. The brutality was reported as having been widespread in the entire Mombasa County.
• In response to a petition by the Law Society of Kenya to the court terming the curfew in itself as unconstitutional, “because it is blanket and indefinite, and because it is ultra vires [it contravenes] the Public Order Act” and that the curfew posed a threat to the health of the general population. The petition further asserted that, “police recklessly horded large crowds on the ground, contrary to WHO advice on social distancing. Moreover, the first respondent (police) stopped the media from monitoring their movement and assaulted journalists covering the process”. The High Court of Kenya upheld the curfew itself, but barred police from using excessive force to enforce the curfew and demanded the police provide guidelines for observing social distancing.
• Mombasa County COVID-19 emergency team has been providing brief and has set up a fund for supporting vulnerable communities with foodstuffs. The team has invited stakeholders to make contributions to meet the objective. The governor of Mombasa has been proactive in sensitizing and encouraging residents including religious institutions to adhere to government directives. There has been public show of cooperation between the national Government led by the County Commissioner and the County Government with the Governor providing leadership.
• Civil society organizations have been invited to the briefs, its however not clear where their role is being prioritized and given the space to make contributions including conflict sensitive approaches, protection of human rights etc.

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