Majority of Kenyans extremely worried about Covid-19 situation, study reveals

Majority of Kenyans are worried and extremely affected by the Covid-19 outbreak and how it is being handled, a study by Infotrack has revealed.

In the study titled “Overview of the Infotrak Coronavirus/Covid-19 Poll”, conducted between March 30 and April 24; the polling body paints a picture of how Kenyans are frustrated by the disease.

It states that 75 per cent of Kenyans are concerned by the level of the spread of the disease, mitigation of the spread and how some people disregard social distancing rules.

Personal health and financial status top the chart of issues that worry Kenyans the most during this period.

The study states: “63 per cent of Kenyans say that the coronavirus concerns them both as Personal health and  Personal finance issue. Only 8 per cent worry about the Covid-19 as only a personal health issue while another 28 per cent are only worried about the pandemic as a personal nance issue.”

The study indicates that North Eastern Rift Valley residents lead as the most concerned lot with percentages of 57, 56 and 55 respectively. Western region residents were found to be the least concerned Kenyans with only 38 per cent. Nairobi and Mombasa regions which lead the chart with first and second-most Covid-19 cases have moderate levels of concerns at 46 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

According to the Infotrack research, some of the coronavirus issues worrying Kenyans include contracting living with the disease unknowingly, government’s lack of resources to deal with the disease, employment status and so on.

For instance, the study postulates that 78 per cent of Kenyans get worried about the fact that some people may be carrying the virus unknowingly. Another 76 per cent are alarmed that should the disease persist then they will be rendered jobless.  The study also reveals that 76 per cent are worried that Kenya has no medical capability to handle the scourge.

With the financial hit coming handy as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, the study indicates that 82 per cent of Kenyans are feeling anxious and stressed about the situation as it unfolds.

This anxiety is what is leading most Kenyans to consume lots of media content on the Covid-19 outbreak. The study also reveals that most people, 60 per cent, are feeling entrapped and confined due to the government directives such as dusk to dawn curfew and the partial lockdowns in Nairobi, Kwale, Mombasa and Kilifi.

As per the Infotrack research study, majority of Kenyans are satisfied with the efforts by the government in stopping the spread of Covid-19. However, they argue that he still needs to do more.

Only 50 per cent feel that the weekly stipend rolled out by the president would be adequate to feed the vulnerable during the crisis. Those who want free and efficient healthcare are 39 per cent. Also, 32 per cent also want rent waivers for the low-income earners who have been badly hit by the virus.

When it comes to identifying the communication to consume on issues surrounding Covid-19, Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe is viewed as the most reliable with 87 per cent, followed by President Uhuru Kenyatta with 85 per cent. Televisions and radio stations come third and fourth with 82 per cent and 77 per cent approvals respectively.