The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
The government says police officers are equipped to handle a Covid-19 outbreak in their ranks even as it reported 104 new cases.
The new infections raise the national tally to 4,478. The death toll stands at 121 after two people died, while the number of recoveries rose to 1,586.
Concerns have been raised as the virus spreads among members of the disciplined forces, with three cases reported at the Kamkunji Police Station in Nairobi.
The government has, however, been cagey about revealing the number of police officers with the coronavirus disease.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary Rashid Aman yesterday said necessary measures have been taken to ensure the disease is managed in high-risk groups.
“We have trained those who need to the skills within the ranks. We have also provided personal protective equipment and issued guidelines on how they should conduct themselves,” said Dr Aman.
The danger of the virus lurking within this group has been a ticking time-bomb, and it was just a matter of time before it went off.
There have been reports of Covid-19 cases reported in remand prisons and court rooms, which are places frequented by the police.
Police officers have also been involved in tracing persons who are suspected carriers of the virus. In the Kamkunji incident, one of the officers who tested positive is said to be attached to the rapid response medical team.
Barely 72 hours after operations had resumed at the Mombasa Law Courts, which is frequented by security agents, 11 court officials tested positive leading to the building's closure.
Aman said those police officers who test positive might not be taking preventive measures seriously.
Health Director General Patrick Amoth said whenever a positive case is detected, all the necessary protocols have to be followed, including quarantine.
“As standard practice, we do contact tracing and quarantine people who have come into contact with the positive case. That will apply no matter the place - whether it is State House, a hospital or police station,” said Dr Amoth.
Of the 104 cases reported yesterday, 60 are from Nairobi, Mombasa (33), Kilifi (5), Busia (3), Kajiado (2) and one in Taita Taveta. The ministry officials also listed anxiety and depression, and the resultant gender-based violence, as the main mental health issues affecting Kenyans.
join