Authors: Christine Ndolo and Suzan Wangui, Muungano KYCTV

Muungano Alliance collected data in Mathare Kosovo village. The primary goal of the research was to identify the effects of Covid-19 as well as gaps and limitations in Covid-19 knowledge. Mathare is an informal settlement where Muungano is already active and the research rolled out sought to understand COVID-19 impacts and responses as well as efforts to develop more inclusive partnerships. Christine Ndolo and Susan Wangui (KYCTV) reflect on some of the community responses shared during the research.

“Outbreak of COVID-19 had a massive impact on many things, including the loss of jobs. It was a disaster. I didn't take it seriously since I assumed it would just be here for two to three weeks until things returned to normal.” Community Leader, Mathare Kosovo. Male, 34 years. 

On 13th March 2020 Kenya confirmed its first case of COVID-19 within its borders. Since then, the government worked round the clock to prepare to respond to the pandemic by mitigating the spread of the virus. The Ministry of Health advised citizens to remain vigilant and maintain hygiene as one of the primary preventive measures however, as the number of cases rapidly increased, COVID-19 was mirrored by diffusion of theories and misinformation about its origins and the motivations of various preventive measures proposed such as vaccination, social distancing and use of face masks as a political ploy.  

The pandemic has been disruptive for communities living in the informal settlements who have been among the hardest hit. Along with the challenges faced by the informal settlement dwellers, misinformation about the outbreak of the virus was widespread. Majority of residents believed news surrounding the outbreak of the virus was a hoax as many residents had not contracted the virus nor knew of other residents who had been affected. This led to the belief by many that the existence of the virus was a notion fronted by the government to leverage funds, little did they know the disease would affect almost every sector of their lives.

As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased, the government imposed restrictions on physical gatherings and effected lockdowns at identified hotspot counties. Schools and Colleges nationwide were additionally closed disrupting nearly 17 million learners country-wide. Massive layoffs drove a spike in unemployment rates. Economically, majority of the slum residents who are employed work as casual laborers and those who are self-employed earn a low income. Despite the meager wages, their dependence on these jobs as a source of livelihood was disrupted upon the outbreak of the pandemic.

“There are changes because business has declined, there is no cash flow, and there are even unemployed people in my home. I am a businesswoman who sells bhajia, and business has been slow” Community Resident, Mathare Kosovo. Female. 53 years old. 

Some community members in Mathare Kosovo who relied on their jobs were greatly affected as some lost their livelihoods, others experienced reductions in their daily incomes. Majority were unable to comply with the lockdown measures as most of the slum residents rely on casual jobs that require them to leave their households frequently in order to earn a living. Additionally, other residents were yet to encounter first-hand, a case of COVID-19 a factor that led to the hesitance in adhering to the preventive measures hampering the swift uptake of the recommended preventive measures. 

While the community tried to adjust to staying at home amidst the challenges of securing a decent income, COVID-19 presented greater challenges for children. School closures increased their exposure to domestic violence, child labour and early marriages for young girls. In addition, crime rates escalated and the confidence in the police was low amid accusations of corrupt and brutal behaviours.  

“Aside from the police killing and arresting people, my wife was harassed for leaving the house during curfew. I had warned her to leave earlier, but she went out and was found at the road and was harassed despite wearing a mask. I wonder if the cops must beat you, even though they find you just ten meters from your house.” Community Health Volunteer and Village Elder, Mathare Kosovo. 

Policing emerged as a primary risk to communities as a result of the pandemic. In Kosovo, police brutality cases were recorded as the police brutally enforced the law in a bid to enforce the Covid-19 measures by the Ministry of Health. Before residents could adjust to staying home on a daily basis, the president enforced a total lock-down in counties identified as COVID-19 hotspot regions. Curfew limited movements at night posing significant challenges for residents and the abuse of the human right of the residents who were subjected to harassment by police.

As frustrations were being observed in the community well-wishers, non-governmental organizations, Community Based Organizations and youth groups extended their support to community residents in Kosovo. Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) such as SHOFCO, was identified among key organizations that issued support to residents in Kosovo, and Mathare in general. 

“Most youth groups were given hand washing buckets, which they kept and managed at various locations. Faith-based organizations were closed, so we received no assistance from them. Just a few continued to operate in their churches, while others walked around organisation’s like Shofco who gave out soaps and issued financial support; others gave out hand washing buckets in abundance, while the World Food Program also issued financial support and the Red Cross helped those with chronic diseases. Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) also used to outsource soaps and sanitizers and bring them to the community.” Community resident, Mathare Kosovo. Male. 39 Years old.

SHOFCO provided residents with soaps, sanitizers, masks, foodstuffs and registered community residents who were would benefit from a relief fund that was issued by the government and other organizations. Their registration criteria was largely recognized as fair as it took up the door-to-door outreach approach while targeting the residents in order to reach out to the masses. Other organizations such as the Red cross came in handy for the residents who suffered chronic illnesses such as, cancer and diabetes. Their response took up the form of cash transfer of 8,000 Kenyan Shillings for a period of 3 months. This aimed to cushion this vulnerable group from the effects of COVID-19 and enabled them to meet their daily needs. However, over time, various concerns arose. The registration criteria used was identified as biased and many claimed the process was marred by corruption. Muungano was also identified among the organizations that supported residents within the pandemic period. The federation was able to conduct food distribution to various residents and distribute PPEs to residents.  

In its efforts to cushion more citizens, the government worked towards cushioning residents through providing KSH 1,000 however, questions surrounding the criteria used to identify the beneficiaries were raised; questions that remain unanswered to date. Support was also issued in form of provision of masks, sanitizers and soaps but many of these items never reach the intended. Gaps in public integrity hindered effective response to the COVID-19 response crisis in a bid to ensure government action benefits those in need. 

Successful outreach models were however evident in various cases such as, instances where youth groups in Kosovo worked hand in hand with Community Organizations and Non-governmental organization to identify, register and distribute food, masks, sanitizers and soaps to residents. Some of these groups worked hand in hand with the United Nations to provide handwashing points in strategic locations in Kosovo where United Nations offered tents, water tanks and ensured there was constant water supply of water.  

Most of the relief projects were a success owing to the recommendable efforts of the various groups involved. Cases however emerged revealing a fraction of vulnerable residents did not benefit from some of the relief initiatives, some of which were characterized by lack of transparency and outright favouritism. Key individuals in charge such as Nyumba Kumi ignored the effective selection criteria and instead registered friends and relatives who benefitted. 

The relief mechanisms provided an opportunity for most residents to re-establish their livelihoods. Cash transfer support issued by organizations such as Give Direct and Red Cross provided residents with the means to put-up small-scale businesses which acted as safety nets particularly for the youth through cushioning them from the economic effects caused by COVID-19. 

Moreover, youth benefited from the Kaazi Mtaani program that sought to provide a form of social protection for community residents whose prospects for daily work had been disrupted by the containment policies put in place to limit the spread of the virus. The program has been commended on various accounts as it is identified as a major contributor to the reduction of the prevalent crime cases through livelihood provision. All these efforts to cushion the community from the effects of Covid-19 by the many stakeholders were highly praised and many were thankful.