Covid-19, while bringing unprecedented fear and uncertainty, has also highlighted the absolute necessity of international co-operation. The Kenya-Korea relationship is one example of how bilateral solidarity has contributed to mutual benefit during the crisis.
Since Kenya’s Ministry of Health confirmed the first case of Covid-19 on March 12, the government’s efforts to contain the pandemic have been impressive. Such swift measures have followed suit from earlier initiatives, such as Korea’s approach, the so-called 3T (Test, Trace, and Treat), which has been the core strategy of Korea’s fight against Covid-19.
Korea’s massive testing, rigorous contact tracing, rapid isolation and treatment of those tested positive has proven successful in reducing the spread of the virus. Owing to these measures, Korea’s new cases decreased in mid-April and remain low.
Innovations such as drive and walk-through testing facilities have also helped Korea curb the outbreak. Additionally, Korean biotech companies began developing test kits, allowing the country to swiftly roll out mass testing.
Korea’s strategy of the Covid-19 response is also bound to a number of broader principles associated with institutional governance namely transparency, democracy, and the spirit of openness, and we would like to share our experience with Kenya.
Accurate statistical data regarding the number of persons affected has been shared transparently with the public in accordance with relevant national and international norms even when the number was rising rapidly.
Participatory democracy in Korea has maintained a steady course during the Covid-19 crisis. While civil servants and healthcare workers have been at the forefront of the pandemic, volunteers have proactively reached out to communities most affected.
Furthermore, the Korean government recently managed to uphold fundamental democratic rights by safely holding general elections, witnessing a bumper turnout of 66.2 per cent - the highest in 28 years.
High levels of public trust and confidence in the government’s ability to contain the virus have led to high levels of voting participation. The Korean government also realises that if one country is vulnerable to the virus, then all countries are susceptible. The country thus joins a coordinated global response to Covid-19 by sharing its know-how in the spirit of openness.
The Kenya-Korea partnership is anchored on various levels of collaboration. First, the Korean government has supported and strengthened Kenya’s efforts at this difficult time. In partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Kitengela Sub-County Hospital in Kajiado County will be supported to obtain better equipment to address the Covid-19 crisis.
In supporting the most vulnerable, the Korean government is going to continue its 10,000 tonnes of rice donation to about 500,000 people in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps.
Second, our co-operation with Kenya extends beyond government agencies. Korean-based international NGOs have donated medical supplies and equipment to rural communities. ‘Good Neighbours’, for instance, will provide $100,000 worth of test kits from Korean companies. In addition, masks, sanitisers and food will be distributed to the vulnerable in Kenya through various humanitarian groups.
Free testing
Third, both governments have shared concerns regarding their nationals residing in Kenya and Korea respectively. In mid-April, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo held a constructive virtual conference with the Heads of Missions from the Asian-Pacific region and re-affirmed unwavering support to the partner states and their nationals.
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When Korean nationals faced challenges returning home, the Kenyan government assisted with their safe journey.
There are an estimated 1,000 Kenyans, mainly students, living in Korea, and they could also benefit from free testing and treatment of Covid-19, based on our policy highlighting equality and non-discrimination for all.
Last but not least, we must express our deep-felt appreciation to all the healthcare workers on the frontline, who risk their own lives to protect others. They deserve our respect and praise. While we face new challenges amid the Covid-19 crisis, the spirit of solidarity, co-operation and mutual support will enable us win this war.
H.E. Yeonghan is Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya
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