The new Omicron variant detected in Kenya is infectious and spreads quickly compared to other variants including the deadly Delta variant, but is less lethal according to experts.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe, who confirmed the detection of three Omicron cases, said the variant will be more dominant in the country and globally but its “effect is less among those people who are vaccinated. Unvaccinated people are likely to get sick faster, go to hospital, and will have accumulated bills. As a government, let everyone get vaccinated, and counties to revamp up measures.” 

But Prof Matilu Mwau, an infectious disease specialist, said that though it was expected to spill into the country “Omicron variant is more infectious, but less lethal.” 

Prof Mwau advised Kenyans to observe public health containment measures, and get vaccinated, to avert mortalities and hospitalization.

“Omicron variant is just coronavirus. It is SARS-COV-2, that we all know how to handle. We have been handling the variant for two years, and we all know what to do. Let us wash our hands with soap and water, wear facemasks and keep social distancing,” maintained the researcher, also Deputy Director, KEMRI.

Omicron variant was first detected in Botswana on November 11, 2021, and South Africa three days later and Kagwe says “the variant is here with us and it is a question of us preparing ourselves. All counties begin serious preparations. Kenyans should get vaccinated, and avoid hesitancy.

At least 13 countries in Africa have reported cases of omicron, including Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, Zambia, Tunisia, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Nigeria, according to Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Last week, Uganda confirmed at least seven cases of omicron among travelers from Nigeria and South Africa who displayed mild symptoms upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport on November 29, 2021, and were placed in isolation.

But Kagwe maintained that Kenyans will not be forced to undergo vaccination, but globally, vaccination is a must. For example, top board a flight, passengers are directed to have been vaccinated.

“We want to avoid getting into lockdowns, by having everyone vaccinated, we shall avoid curfews and lockdowns. We are not announcing lockdown, nor curfew hours.”