Impact of Covid-19 Measures and Responses on Minority and Indigenous Communities in

Submitted by:

Duncan Otieno, Senior Policy Advisor, Sentao Kenya

May 2020

Contents List of Abbreviations and Acronyms ...... i Summary ...... ii Introductions ...... 1 About Minority Rights Group International...... 1 Background of the Study ...... 1 Objectives of the Study ...... 5 Rationale and Purpose of the Study ...... 5 Scope of the Study...... 5 Study Methodology ...... 7 Literature Review ...... 7 Key Informant Interview ...... 8 Limitations of the study...... 8 Research Findings and Analysis ...... 9 Analysis of Selected Case Studies in the Globe ...... 9 Analysis of Government Responses in Kenya ...... 17 National Government ...... 17 County Governments ...... 20 County ...... 20 ...... 22 ...... 23 County ...... 24 County ...... 25 ...... 26 County ...... 27 County...... 28 County ...... 29 Conclusion and Recommendations ...... 31 Conclusions ...... 31 Recommendations ...... 32 References ...... 34

Appendices ...... 37 List of Key Informant Interviews ...... 37 Key Informant Questionnaire ...... 38

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms ASAL Arid and Semi-Arid Areas BAME Backs, Asians and Minority Ethnic CAHESH Campaign for Health, Education and Sanitation CERC County Emergency Response Committee CESR Center for Economic and Social Rights CRB Credit Reference Bureau ECOSOC Economic and Social Council ESP Economic Stimulus Programme FY Financial Year ICU Intensive Care Unit IPOA Independent Policing Oversight Authority KIIs Key Informants Interviews KMTC Kenya Medical Training College LSK Law Society of Kenya MDAs Ministries Department and Agencies MDHHS Michigan Department of Health and Services MRGI Minority Rights Group International MSMES Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises NERC National Emergency Response Committee NGO Non-Governmental Organization OAG Office of the Auditor General OCoB Office of the Controller of Budget PBO Parliamentary Budget Office PPEs Personal Protective Equipment PwD People with Disability STIs Sexually Transmitted Infections TB Tuberculosis UN CRPD United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities UNAMI United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq WHO World Health Organization

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Executive Summary Context The outbreak of the COVID-19 in Kenya in March 2020 prompted the to put in place containment measures meant to stop the spread of the virus in addition to mitigating adverse effects of the pandemic. Although the virus started as a health issue it later morphed into a socio-economic problem. In order to respond to both the intended and unintended consequences of the pandemic, the government unveiled a series of measures meant to cushion both the economy and the citizen. In this research we focused on minorities and indigenous persons in Kenya for a number of reasons. Anecdotal evidence available suggests that Blacks Asians and ethnic minorities (BAME) are among the most affected by Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the minorities and indigenous persons are traditionally domiciled in informal set ups such as forests hence they are unlikely to be considered by governments while conceptualizing mitigating measures against the pandemic. It is against this backdrop that the study sought to assess the impact of such government measures and responses on the minority groups and indigenous communities in Kenya. It is expected that, the findings of this study will go a long way in informing policy and advocacy interventions in respect of implementation of the rights of minorities and indigenous persons in Kenya.

Methodology The analysis is based on a desk review and data analysis of the legislations, legal notices, regulatory and government policy documents besides analyzing the regular briefs and reports issued by the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus; the Presidential Address on Enhanced Measures in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic; Council of Governors’ Press Statements on Preparedness of Counties on COVID-19; and individual County Reports on the response towards the pandemic.. The study also benefitted from the input from the key informants who were drawn from the nine counties under the study.

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Key Findings • The study observed that the level of awareness among the minority group and the indigenous communities in Kenya remains low given that both the levels of government focused much in creating awareness about the pandemic in the usual ways without paying deliberate attention to the unique needs of the minority groups. • Further, the outbreak of the pandemic in Kenya exposed the existence of inequalities among the Kenya society. The government measures for mitigating the pandemic were largely targeting the urban population with no deliberate initiative to reach out to the minority groups and indigenous communities who are mainly located in rural areas and in particular, include forest dwellers. • In addition, the study found out lack of transparency in the usage of the public finance set aside for Covid-19 interventions both at the national and county levels. Reports of alleged embezzlement of funds meant for COVID-19 interventions besides cases of nepotism were also reported in the course of the study. • The minority groups and indigenous communities in the counties under review felt excluded from the covid-19 interventions given that most of those interventions targeted urban and formal populations yet most of the minority groups and indigenous communities are forest dwellers • The COVID-19 Emergency Response Committees at the National and County levels did not have a representation from the minority groups and indigenous communities. This ultimately led to a near exclusion of the minorities from benefiting from the government responses to COVID-19. For instance, an analysis of the Supplementary budget estimates for the FY 2019/20 for Government shows that the minority groups and forest dwellers in Mau East and Mogotio (Endorois) are not among the beneficiaries from the funds set aside for humanitarian assistance. This implies these vulnerable groups will not benefit from the humanitarian support provided by the Nakuru County Covid-19 Emergency Response Committee; • People with Disability (PwD) in the Endorois Community are grappling with food insecurity and are unable to keep social distance due to the fact that they depend on others for mobility. In practice, social security funds only benefits those who were registered four years ago and have severe disabilities.

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• Gender-based violence has been on the rise due to the Covid-19 measures and restrictions. This is attributed to the loss of jobs as a result of the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that has forced people to stay at home as a measure against the pandemic. This has given room to increase in gender-based violence and most of these cases go unreported particularly in pastoral communities and hence the victims, majority of whom are women end up suffering in silence.

Recommendations The study makes the following recommendations: (a) The National Emergency Response Committees and the County Emergency Response Committees should ensure that the resources meant for cushioning the citizen from the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic reach the most vulnerable groups such as minority ethnic and indigenous communities located in remote areas and more especially women and People with Disabilities; (b) In responding to the pandemic, both the state and non-state actors should include minorities and indigenous communities in their responses to Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in order to ensure that their challenges are addressed from an informed point of view ; (c) The National and County governments, Civil Society and Community Based Organizations focusing on issues of minorities and indigenous communities and other key stakeholders, in responding to Covid-19 pandemic should collaborate in ensuring that key messages on Covid-19 are produced and disseminated in local native languages, sign language and braille for purposes of awareness creation and fighting the pandemic among the minority group and indigenous communities. In places where internet is limited or unavailable, the government should adopt other means of outreach such as using vernacular radio, or other forms of public service announcements; (d) The National Government should put in place specific and targeted socio-economic measures aimed at addressing the harsher effects of the COVID19 health crisis that the minorities and indigenous communities may suffer because of pre-existing precarious social and economic conditions, including emergency financial aid to those minorities and indigenous communities working in the informal economy;

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(e) The Composition of the National Emergency Response Committees and the County Emergency Response Committees should incorporate the representation from the minority groups and indigenous communities; (f) With restrictions of movement, it is important for both the national and county governments to partner with the non-state actors to ensure that humanitarian assistance and information innovatively reaches the affected persons even in remote locations such as the forests where the minority groups and indigenous communities live; (g) The National Treasury should expedite the disbursement of COVID-19 emergency funds to the counties to avoid delays in providing food rations and related supplies to the most vulnerable groups; and (h) The National and County Governments should observe the principles of fiscal transparency and accountability by making all the expenditure details on the COVID-19 interventions publicly available.

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Introductions About Minority Rights Group International Minority Rights Group International (MRGI) is an International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) registered in London under charity number 282305. MRGI campaigns globally in collaboration with 150 partners in over 50 countries. MRGI aspires to ensure that disadvantaged minorities and indigenous communities can make their voices heard.

In fulfilling her mandate, MRGI works through publications, training and education, media, legal cases and cultural programmes. The organization supports indigenous communities to be able to demand for their rights to land, language, education, health, employment and full participation in public life.

In cognisance of the fact that discrimination based on age, disability, class, gender and disability has a capacity to impact minorities and indigenous communities. Hence our campaigns target governments and communities with an aim of eradicating these attitudes.

For over 50 years, Minority Rights Group International has worked with ethnics, religious and linguistic minorities bringing a long-term view in all the work that we do. For instance we work with Ogiek, Wayyu, Awer, Sengwer and Nubians in Kenya, Batwa in Central Africa, Christians in Iraq, Roma in Europe and Dalits in India and Nepal among others.

Background of the Study This study sought to assess the impacts of the Kenyan government’s responses towards the novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. The COVID-19 was first reported in December 2019 in the City of Wuhan in Hubei Province of China. The virus then spread to almost the entire parts of the globe in less than four months of discovery.

At the Global front, the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics indicates that as at the end of May 2020, there were confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in 215 countries in the world. The

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total confirmed cases stood at 6,259,249 with 373,697 global deaths as a result of Covid-19. On a positive note, 2,843,998 persons have fully recovered from the disease as at the end of May 20201.

With regard to Africa, the continent had reported, there are 148,775 confirmed cases, 4,245 deaths as a result of Covid-19 cases in Africa2. Out of the total confirmed cases in Africa, there are 63,463 recoveries. South Africa is the most affected country in Africa with 32,683 cases3.

By the end of May 2020, Kenya had reported 1,962 confirmed cases of Covid-19 pandemic, 478 recoveries from coronavirus pandemic and the death toll from the pandemic stood at 64 (as shown in the figure below). The deaths represented a fatality rate of 3.26% compared to the global fatality rate of 6.0%. Most of these cases are concentrated in , and the boarder Counties such as , Migori, Taita Taveta, Busia and .

1 Coronavirus pandemic real-time statistics https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ retrieved on 31st May 2020 2 Covid-19 in Africa: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ retrieved on 26th May 2020 3 ibid 2

The Kenyan Government declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency on 15th March 2020.4 In order to mitigate the effects of Covid-19, the Kenyan government put in place a number of measures and responses both at the national and county levels. These measures includes, but not limited to amendments of various laws, policies and practices. These are measures and responses which are necessary in containing the spread of the dangerous virus besides mitigating the effects of the disease. In this study, we focused on the impact of these measures and responses on minorities and indigenous communities in Kenya.

Evidence shows that Blacks, Asians and Minority Ethnic (BAME) are more vulnerable to Covid- 19 considering that they have underlying health issues and they are most hit economically. Contextually, the plight of minorities in Kenya mirrors that of BAME in Western countries. However, in Kenya, the discrimination is socio-economic in nature. Most ethnic minorities such as the Ogiek, Sengwer, Yaaku, Chepkitale, Awer and Nubians have experienced inequalities in employment, education and commerce. It is against this background that this study sought to provide an analysis of changes in law, policies and practices at both the national level and in selected counties. In particular, the study sought to identify the impact of these changes on minority groups and indigenous communities. The study ends by offering recommendations for policy makers which if implemented will promote the economic, social cultural rights of these vulnerable groups.

In order to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic both on the economy and the citizen, the Kenyan government established a Kshs. 250 million (2,335,493.85 USD) weekly cash transfer programme in which vulnerable households identified through provincial administration are sent cash on a weekly basis to cushion the vulnerable families from loss of income due to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, President , on 23rd May 2020 launched an 8- Point Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) amounting to Kshs 53.7 billion (501.64 million USD) which targeted to cushion vulnerable households from economic downtown. Under this programme, Kshs. 3 billion was set aside for the supply of farm inputs through e-vouchers,

4 His Uhuru Kenyatta, (2020). Coronavirus in Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta’s full speech. Retrieved 26 May 2020 from https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Coronavirus-in-Kenya-President-Kenyatta-full-speech/1056-5492188-pdf0xz/index.html 3 targeting 200,000 small scale farmers5; Kshs. 1.5 billion was set aside to cushion flower farmers or producers to be able to access world markets; Kshs. 850 million was allocated towards rehabilitation of underground water tanks, wells and water pans in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas (ASAL). This amount is likely to benefit the pastoralist communities such as the Somali, Maasai, Borana and Turkana among others. However, an analysis of the budget implementation reports by the Office of Controller of Budget shows that Kenya’s Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are record low absorption of development budgets. Therefore, the funds set aside from the ESP might not end up benefitting the intended recipients owing to the low uptake of the development budgets. For instance, in the first half year 2019/2020, the national government had attained an absorption rate of 34.5%, 15.5% less that the projected 50% in the first half year.

In numerous past reports, Ministries, Departments and government Agencies in Kenya have been reported by the Office of Controller of budget for their failure to fully utilize funds allocated to them. This trend leads us to the inescapable conclusion that the citizens do not get optimal value for the funds allocated for service delivery. For instance, an allocation of Kshs. 850 million for rehabilitation of wells, water pans and underground water tanks may end up not being fully spent. If that happens, the minority groups and indigenous communities in Kenya who are mostly pastoralists in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands may not benefit as expected. The challenges which occasion the under-utilization of public funds such as late disbursements should be addressed in order for these communities to benefit from public resources.

In addition to low utilization of allocated funds, capacity of the National and County Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the other challenge that is likely to undermine the effective implementation of the Economic Stimulus Programme is misappropriation of public funds meant for responding to Covid-19. This is an area which has raised a lot of concerns in the past in Kenya. According to the most recent audit reports (FY 2015/2016) from the Office of the Auditor General, there was misleading or incomplete financial statements for expenditure amounting to Kshs. 112 billion which led the Auditor General to issue an adverse opinion. Elsewhere, the Office of the Auditor General was unable to confirm whether expenditures amounting to Kshs. 94 billion were

5 8-Point Economic Stimulus Programme: https://www.health.go.ke/president-uhuru-announce-31-new-cases-of-covid-19- unveils-an-8-economic-stimulus-programme-to-stimulate-growth-nairobi-saturday-may-23-2020/ retrieved on 23rd May 2020 4 incurred lawfully and effectively6. It is therefore worth noting that as long as there is no prudent usage of public funds, it does not matter how well the government mobilizes resources for mitigating the spread and adverse effects of the pandemic.

Further, the fact that the Office of the Auditor General has been vacant since 2019 means that the implementation of the Covid-19 funds cannot be audited in real time until the new Auditor General is substantively recruited. Objectives of the Study The specific objectives of this study were to:

(a) Analyze national government amendment of laws and policies as part of COVID-19 response and its likely impact on minority and indigenous communities in Kenya; (b) Analyze county government amendment of laws, policies and practices and their impact on minority groups and indigenous communities (focus on Nakuru, Baringo, Laikipia, Lamu, Mandera, Isiolo, Bungoma, Narok and Turkana counties); and (c) Identify and document the best international practices around Covid-19 Response by states, civil society organizations, corporates and other stakeholders towards the needs of minorities and indigenous communities around the world. (d) Draw policy recommendations

Rationale and Purpose of the Study The main rationale of this study is to provide a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 government measures and responses on the minorities and indigenous communities in Kenya. The findings of the study will then be used by the Minority Rights Group International and her partners in undertaking advocacy intervention at both the National and County levels of government. Scope of the Study This research focuses on policy changes at the national level and in the nine (9) counties under review. These counties are: Nakuru, Baringo, Laikipia, Isiolo, Bungoma, Mandera, Narok, Lamu

6 Report of the Auditor General on the Financial Statement for the National Government for the Year 2015/2016 accessed from http://oagkenya.go.ke/Audit-Reports?path=National%20Government%20Reports

5 and Turkana where minority and indigenous communities are residents and hence affected by the changes in legislations and policies in these counties. The analysis covers the period from the time the first coronavirus case was discovered in Kenya to end of May 2020.

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Study Methodology This study adopted a mixed approach of both desktop research and participatory research methods. The desk research included a review of the various government policies, legislations, legal notices and regulations enacted by both the National and the County Governments under the study. In addition, the study also analyzed the regular briefs and reports issued by the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus; the Presidential Address on Enhanced Measures in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic; Council of Governors’ Press Statements on Preparedness of Counties on COVID-19; and individual County Reports on the response towards the pandemic.

Further, the study also benefitted from the data collected through interviews and conversations with key informants drawn from the partners of the Minority Rights Group International drawn from the nine counties in which the minority and indigenous communities are domiciled in Kenya.

The information collected from the questionnaire, key informants interview and the review of the policy, legislative and fiscal reports were then analyzed to inform the development of this report. Literature Review The study relied on the available literature on Government measures and responses towards curbing the COVID-19 pandemic in line with the Terms of Reference. The study also reviewed the policy, legislative and regulatory changes enacted by both the National and the nine County Governments under review.

This study assessed fiscal policies for nine (9) counties which are hosts of ethnic minorities and indigenous communities in Kenya. In analyzing the fiscal policies, the study adopted the OPERA analytical framework.7 The framework involves looking into outcomes, policy efforts, resources and Assessment of the fiscal policies involved in responses to Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.

The study sought to monitor economic, social and cultural rights during a period of a pandemic outbreak. Human rights organizations and defenders around the world have already reported numerous violations of fundamental human rights and the ethnic minorities and indigenous communities are the most affected. In this research, we assessed Kenya’s compliance with human

7 The OPERA Analytical was developed by the New York City-based Center for Economic and Social Rights (CESR) 7 rights during a pandemic outbreak. Therefore, the report focused on outcomes, policy efforts, resources and finally conducted assessment of the entire situation.

Arising from the fact that, under International law, States have three main obligations with respect to human rights (to respect, fulfil and protect), this research paper provided an in-depth analyses of public policies from a human rights perspective with particular focus on the right to fulfil, that is, is Kenya creating conducive conditions for the realization of human rights. This is very important given that failure of public policies often leads to human rights abuses and violations. Key Informant Interview Key informants’ interviews (KIIs) were held with local partners of the Minority Rights Group International drawn from the nine (9) counties under review. In addition, the study also benefitted from the valuable contributions from the East Africa Health Education Projects Coordinator.

The KIIs were carefully selected to represent the minorities and indigenous communities who are likely to be impacted by these government policy and legislative changes brought about as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Limitations of the study The research was limited to nine (9) counties due to availability of limited human and financial resources. Secondly, physical collection of data from the target counties was not possible and hence the research depended on telephone interviews with key informants.

In addition, the information on the said government measures and responses are not highly disaggregated thus making it difficult to attain the desired level of the analysis of the impact of these measures and responses.

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Research Findings and Analysis This section looks at the findings of the study in three perspectives – best practices across the globe, impact of the responses at the national level; and the county level. Analysis of Selected Case Studies in the Globe The policy measures and responses adopted by each country varied from one jurisdiction to the other. For purposes of this study, the research interrogated the policy and measures responses from the United State of America; Norway; Bangladesh; Canada; South Africa; Iraq; Guyana; Ghana, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

An analysis of the available evidence from various publications showed that the Blacks Asians and Minority Ethnic (BAME) account for majority of the number of deaths from Covid-19. For instance, the Financial Times, in a study, concluded that the Norwegians of Somali origin had infection rates more than ten times above the national average. To mitigate this, the study reported that Somali doctors and activists created public health videos on YouTube to reach the Somali population in the country in addition to sharing information and guidance on protection and hygiene measures, and about what to do in case of symptoms.8 Norway is not the only country where more blacks are dying (from the covid-19) relative to other races, similar findings were founded in the and United Kingdom. Although the deaths could be attributed to various reasons, preliminary findings indicated that there are high rates of underlying medical conditions among the BAME such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.

The study also found out that the worst hit by the pandemic were the black People Living with Disability (PLWD) since they depend on others for assistance in cases of movement, a phenomenon that undermines social distancing, one of the measures for combating the spread of coronavirus pandemic. The WHO places the global number of people with impaired vision or blindness at 2.2 billion9. While launching a policy brief on People with Disabilities, the UN Secretary General, António Guterres called upon member States to place People with Disabilities

8 Financial Times, Nations Look into why Coronavirus Hits Ethnic minorities so hard https://www.ft.com/content/5fd6ab18- be4a-48de-b887-8478a391dd72 9 Blindness and Vision Impairment accessed from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual- impairment 9 at the center of their Covid-19 responses and recovery efforts10 in addition to consulting and engaging people with disabilities.

A review of article 11 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) shows that all State parties are obligated to take all possible measures to ensure safety and protection of persons with disabilities in national responses to risks and humanitarian emergencies. To achieve the objectives of the UN CRPD, various countries have resorted to implementing diverse measures. For instance, the study found out that the Midlands State University in Zimbabwe is producing Covid-19 information booklets in 16 officially recognized languages including Braille for the blind and sign language for the deaf11. This is an effort by the Government of Zimbabwe to educate citizens in their first language. This is after the government realized that it is important to get the Covid-19 message far and wide. The University is also manufacturing face masks and hand sanitizers.

Further, the study found out that the Civil Society Organizations in Zimbabwe translated advice from the World Health Organization into minority languages. The WHO messages once translated were then printed and included in food packages distributed by the World Food Programme.12

In Lebanon, the minority communities mobilized one of the largest food and hygiene support campaign to support the vulnerable amongst them. The campaign ensured that 700 families continuously received a monthly kit of primary food ration and hygiene items to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. In addition, the group also created a hotline to provide a direct contact in case of emergency or any COVID-19 case.13

One of the most powerful tool in combating the pandemic is through availing information to the people. This calls for awareness creation in local languages. The same approach was used in Guyana where the country’s Ministry of Health created awareness videos as a way of supporting

10 Covid-19 response https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/we-have-unique-opportunity-design-and-implement-more-inclusive- and-accessible-societies 11 Midlands State University accessed from https://ww5.msu.ac.zw/blog/2020/05/11/msu-press-begins-nationwide-distribution- of-covid-19-awareness-booklets/ 12 Minority Rights Group International 13 COVID-19 and Minority Rights: Overview and Promising Practices https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Minorities/OHCHRGuidance_COVID19_MinoritiesRights.pdf 10 the frontline workers in non-medical activities in minority and indigenous languages14. The Country recruited volunteers drawn from diverse backgrounds and using several languages, to provide telephonic support to people, spread awareness on social distancing, and to be involved in the exercise of contact-tracing besides extending emotional support to the elderly, children and people with disabilities. This was reported to have helped dissemination of information to minority and indigenous communities.

According to Translators without Borders publication, “marginalized people have a right to clear, accurate and accessible information about Covid-19 and response efforts.15” It is on this background that the Council of Europe calls upon member states to communicate with their people in all the languages traditionally spoken in their countries16. In Malawi, a Non-governmental Organization (NGO), Campaign for Health, Education and Sanitation (CAHESH) in collaboration with government of Malawi started a programme of distributing Covid-19 braille pamphlets among people with visual impairments in Chikwawa District.17 This was meant to empower the people with visual impairment with the necessary information to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the immigrant Somalis in Norway are generally poorer and live in congested family dwellings. Majority work as taxi drivers where they get more exposed to those who could already be infected. This situation is common even in the United States of America, so to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Maricopa Medical Center (now Valleywise Health) in Phoenix - Arizona, resorted to producing public health videos raising awareness on Covid-19 in . It is estimated that there are between 15,000 and 20,000 Somalis in Phoenix, Arizona in the United States of America. In the past, Valleywise Health had produced health videos in Arabic, Kirundi, Oromo and French.

14 Minority Rights Group International 15 Do you Speak Covid-19: https://translatorswithoutborders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/TWB_PolicyBrief-COVID19.pdf 16 Council of Europe: https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/covid-19-crisis-vital-that-authorities-also-communicate-in-regional- and-minority-languages 17 Visually impaired receive Covid-19 messages on braille: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-04/22/c_138999389.htm 11

Relatedly, Municipality of Ravenna is reported to have created videos with information in Pashto, Arabic, Bambara, Wolof, English and French. Further, the Municipality translated information leaflets on how to protect oneself again Covid-19 in 14 languages18.

In Iraq, the Roma and Iraqis of the African descent were supported by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights and United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to benefit from food rations in addition to helping them to register online for an emergency cash grant scheme established by the Government.19 The study further observed that a similar humanitarian approach was used in Bangladesh, where, in order to prevent an additional humanitarian crisis in the already-vulnerable and crowded Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Rohingya women volunteers worked with UN Women to mobilize their communities and raise awareness on COVID-19.20 In addition, the UN Women recruited community leaders amongst the Rohingya women. These women are serving as front-line workers to protect their families and communities. The study found out that these women, with the support of the UN Women, are producing masks to fill a significant gap of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the market.21

It also emerged that one of the ways in which Countries handled the spread of the pandemic was by implementing the “shelter in place “policy. Though this was meant to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the lockdown resulted in loss of jobs and temporary closure of some health services and besides, it had a potential of resulting in unplanned pregnancies in addition to spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). In order to mitigate against the negative effects of the lockdown, the State of Michigan, through its Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), provided free condoms22 by mailbox as a way of ensuring that people continue to access contraception amidst the public health crisis. The free condom distribution by the MDHHS helped in preventing unintended pregnancies besides protecting against sexually transmitted

18 Associations and Municipalities producing Covid-19 messages in different languages https://ec.europa.eu/migrant- integration/news/italy-associations-and-authorities-providing-covid-19-information-in-different-languages 19 Minority Rights Group International 20 Women mobilize to prevent COVID-19 in crowded Rohingya refugee camps https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/4/feature-women-mobilize-to-prevent-covid-19-in-rohingya-refugee-camps 21 UN Women and Rohingya women on the front line of COVID-19 response https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/6/feature-rohingya-women-on-the-front-line-of-covid-19-response 22 Michigan provides coronavirus couples with free condoms by mail https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/condoms-sex-michigan-coronavirus-sexual-health-sti-a9494851.html 12 infections. Further, the programme by the MDHHS helped in promoting the peoples’ reproductive health rights during the Coronavirus pandemic.

On the economic front, a number of countries have put in place stimulus programmes as a way of cushioning both the economy and the people from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The table below shows a summary of the economic measures put in place by the leading economies in the world.

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Table 1: summary of the economic measures put in place by the leading economies in the world.

Country Economic Measures put in place

The Canadian government set aside US$56.4 billion 23 (3% of the Canadian gross domestic product) for the stimulus programme. The fund was meant for Canada deferment of tax payments until August 2020, provision of wage subsidy for all small businesses besides pausing student loan payments. The stimulus package aimed at limiting the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The Australian government established a $17.6 billion (0.9% of GDP)24 stimulus package aimed at supporting local businesses; welfare support; providing Australia cash flow payment for six-month “jobkeeper program”; supporting new investment incentives and apprentices; and setting up a fund for hard-hit sectors such as tourism besides providing cash grants for home renovations. The United States House of Representatives in early May 2020 released a sweeping $3 trillion coronavirus relief package25 that includes funds for $1trilion United States for supporting State and local governments, providing additional $1,200 direct payments to individuals, creating a $200 billion fund to ensure essential workers receive hazard pay in addition to creating a separate $175 billion fund to aid individuals needing help paying rent and mortgages The Government of Japan established a stimulus package amounting to $2.18 trillion to help fight the economic impacts of the novel coronavirus Japan pandemic26.

Italy approved a $59.5 billion economic package27 aimed at which aimed at helping families and firms damaged by the forced lockdown due to the Italy coronavirus outbreak. The stimulus package includes tax suspensions and incentives for firms obliged to stop their activities in addition to financial aid for a one-off payments of €500 per person for the self-employed, government support for companies paying redundancy payments to their staff, a freeze on any worker lay-offs, and a cash bonus for Italians still working during the lockdown28.

In addition, municipalities in Italy have been requested to implement a Civil Protection Ordinance (N. 658/2020) that relates to urgent measures for food solidarity. This programme is expected to benefit the most at risk such as, Roma, Sinti and Caminanti. Some of these communities live in critical economic and housing situations and are not in possession of residence or Italian citizenship29 France established an 18 billion euro ($19.4 billion) rescue plan30 to help its tourism sector through the coronavirus crisis. The stimulus package includes France direct public investment in addition to government-guaranteed loans and extended access to a "solidarity fund,” Further the French government promised €45 billion unlimited budgetary support for companies and employees affected by the coronavirus pandemic.31

23 Canada announces massive aid package amid pandemic accessed from https://apnews.com/855a78fe9a66338f75b3aeea41e4c9ae 24 Six million low-income earners to receive $750 cash under Coalition's coronavirus stimulus https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/mar/12/six-million-low-income- earners-to-receive-750-cash-under-coalitions-coronavirus-stimulus 25 US House Democrats release $3Trillion virus relief bill accessed from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-house-democrats-release-3t-virus-relief-bill/1838720 26 Japan approves second stimulus package amid COVID-19 https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/japan-approves-second-stimulus-package-amid-covid-19/1854982 27 Italy gov't approves €55B virus stimulus package https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/italy-govt-approves-55b-virus-stimulus-package/1840063 28 How major economies are trying to mitigate the coronavirus shock https://www.ft.com/content/26af5520-6793-11ea-800d-da70cff6e4d3 29 COVID-19 and Minority Rights: Overview and Promising Practices https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Minorities/OHCHRGuidance_COVID19_MinoritiesRights.pdf 30 France announces $19.4B stimulus package for virus-hit tourism sector https://www.dailysabah.com/business/economy/france-announces-194b-stimulus-package-for-virus-hit- tourism-sector 31 How major economies are trying to mitigate the coronavirus shock https://www.ft.com/content/26af5520-6793-11ea-800d-da70cff6e4d3 14

Country Economic Measures put in place

The government enacted an emergency32 “supplementary” €156 billion budget for 2020. The budget included: Germany (a) a €50bn plan to provide direct grants to small businesses and the self-employed people who have lost access to bank credit; (b) companies with up to five employees will be eligible for a one-off payment of €9,000 for three months while those with up to 10 employees will get €15,000. (c) setting up a €500 billion bailout fund to recapitalise big companies with more than 250 employees that get into difficulties due to the pandemic. (d) landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants who fall behind on their rent due to the coronavirus crisis. The government has promised unlimited cash to companies facing liquidity problems in the form of loans provided by state development bank - KfW. (e) the state will be liable for 90 per cent of each loan, the companies’ own banks for the remaining 10 per cent. (f) expanding the government’s programme of export credits and other guarantees to help companies in crisis, and will allow them to defer “billions of euros” in tax payments. (g) the government is also expanding a state-subsidized scheme to compensate workers who are sent home by their employers during an economic crisis. The government expects some 2.35 million people to be drawing the compensation, costing the Federal Labour Office €10.05 billion.

The Spain government unveiled a $220 billion33 (20% of GDP) financial aid package in response to the covid-19 pandemic. This Economic stimulus package Spain included: (a) a moratorium on mortgage payments for people adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. (b) government stopping evictions; (c) the government guaranteeing water, electricity and internet to vulnerable households; (d) guaranteeing liquidity for Spanish businesses; and (e) providing special help to self-employed workers who lose business because of the crisis.

In addition, the government issued recommendations for action by the social services during the COVID-19 crisis in segregated settlements with high levels of Roma population, including ensuring these families can access financial assistance, which guarantees their income while they are unable to carry out their normal economic activities.34

The Spanish government also conducted a telephone survey involving almost 11,000 Roma, in order to understand emerging issues in the COVID-19 crisis. The survey covered five areas: health, social needs, employment, education, and perception of discrimination. According to the survey report, the situation of two thirds of Roma in paid employment has worsened during the pandemic35. The UK government established an economic support programme of close to £50 billion which includes a job retention scheme providing that all companies United Kingdom will be compensated in full for employment costs of up to 80 per cent of wage bills for employees they retain on payroll but are not working. In addition, the companies have been offered an unlimited package of loan guarantees, direct lending from the Bank of England for large companies and a one-year abolition of property taxes for all companies in affected sectors. It also provides that smaller companies are to benefit from the government grants.36 The stimulus package also include support for 95 per cent of the self-employed to the UK’s programme, offering a monthly grant of 80 per cent of recent average profit

32 ibid 33 Spain announces a $220Billion stimulus package https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/spain-announces-a-220b-stimulus-package/1769513 34 COVID-19 and Minority Rights: Overview and Promising Practices https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Minorities/OHCHRGuidance_COVID19_MinoritiesRights.pdf 35 The Fundación Secretariado Gitano carries out a telephone survey to 11,000 Roma people that reveals the serious social impact of the Covid-19 crisis https://www.gitanos.org/actualidad/archivo/131067.html 36 ibid 15

Country Economic Measures put in place

capped at £2,500 to those running their own business. The payments will be made by June and will apply whether or not the self-employed have been affected by the Covid-19 crisis.37

Besides, the black and ethnic minority health and social workers in UK have been identified as a vulnerable and at risk group because they appear to be disproportionately affected by covid19 and are getting priority for masks and other protective measure38s. The South African Government launched a $26 billion (10% of South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product) fiscal stimulus package, the largest in this country’s South Africa history, to tackle the economic impact of the pandemic.39 The fiscal support will be allocated towards guarantees to banks so as to encourage lending, protection and creation of jobs, and welfare grants to the poor and the unemployed. The government committed US$100 million towards supporting the country’s preparedness and response, and a further US$210 million under its Coronavirus Ghana Alleviation Programme set aside for the promotion of selected industries (e.g., pharmaceutical sector supplying COVID-19 drugs and equipment), the support of SMEs and employment, and the creation of guarantees and first-loss instruments. Additional funds have been earmarked to address availability of test kits, pharmaceuticals, equipment, and bed capacity40. On April 26, 2020 the government unveiled a major investment in healthcare infrastructure including the construction or upgrade of 100 district and regional hospitals

37 ibid 38 Trust treating all BAME staff as ‘vulnerable and at risk’ https://www.hsj.co.uk/workforce/trust-treating-all-bame-staff-as-vulnerable-and-at-risk/7027500.article 39 South Africa unleashes largest ever spending plan, but adds to debt worries. Accessed from https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/23/south-africa-unleashes-largest-ever-spending- plan-to-tackle-coronavirus.html 40 Policy responses to COVID-19. Accessed from https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#G 16

In Kenya, Minority Rights Group International has worked with partners and provided key Covid- 19 messages in Endorois language through music to reach the Endorois community in Baringo, Nakuru and Laikipia Counties. The organization has also produced cartoons with key messages in Sengwer language in Western Kenya.

Analysis of Government Responses in Kenya The Analysis in Kenya focused on both the responses instituted by the National and 9 individual county governments.

National Government Upon declaration of COVID-19 as a national emergency, the President of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta constituted the National Emergency Response Committee (NERC) on Coronavirus on 28th February 2020 vide an Executive Order.41 The order set out the composition and the mandate of the NERC. To execute its mandate, NERC worked in conjunction with the National Security Council, Kenya. Below is a summary of the measures instituted by the Government under the advice and guidance of both NERC and the National Security Council: Table 2: Summary of measures and responses undertaken by the Government in mitigating the spread and effects Coronavirus pandemic Government Measure/Response Impact of the Measure # 1. A daily nationwide dusk-to-dawn Curfew from 7:00 P.M. to 5:00 i) This measure has a negative economic impact on minority groups such A.M., in the entire territory of the Republic of Kenya. as the Abasuba who practice fishing considering that effective fishing is best done at night which is not possible under the dusk-to-dawn curfew in Kenya; ii) At the beginning of the curfew, police officers were seen violently assaulting vulnerable persons like pregnant women and providers of essential services such as healthcare workers, watchmen and drivers of food trucks. A number of these victims including pregnant women died from police brutality. These human rights violations forced Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to file a petition at the of Kenya. The High Court, in determining the case, made the following orders: (a) A declaration that the use of force by the Police in enforcing the State Curfew is Unconstitutional; (b) The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Government Coordination (2nd Respondent) to amend the schedule to the State Curfew Order, 2020 to include members of Law Society of Kenya, Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) in the list of “services, personnel or workers” exempted from the application of the state curfew order, 202042.

41 Executive Order No 2 of 2020, accessed on May 27, 2020 from http://www.mfa.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/executive- order-2-2.pdf 42 Petition No. 120 of 2020 (Covid 025) heard at the Constitutional and Human Rights Division of the High Court of Kenya: http://kenyalaw.org/caselaw/cases/view/193192/ 17

Government Measure/Response Impact of the Measure # 2. Cessation of all movement by road, rail or air in and out of: The cessation of all movement in and out of the stated regions considered to be (a) the Nairobi Metropolitan Area; and the hotspots of Covid-19 has an impact on access to specialized healthcare (b) the counties of , Kwale and Mombasa services. For instance members of the minority and indigenous communities with (c) Mandera underlying health conditions such as cancer, mental health and diabetes who used (d) Old Town in Mombasa to seek medical attention at for instance Kenyatta National Hospital or mental (e) Eastleigh in Nairobi health services at Mathari Mental Referral Hospital can no longer access these services considering that most of the specialist healthcare professionals are based in major cities such as Mombasa and Nairobi which are under a lockdown. This is why for example Covid-19 samples from Mandera have to be transported over 1,000 kilometers to Nairobi City for testing. This is a testament that Kenya is one of the countries with unequal geographical distribution of healthcare workers. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Nairobi has the highest density of physicians, pharmacists and specialists while nurses are more concentrated in the Coastal region (such as Mombasa) and central regions43. 3. Kshs . 2 Billion of already recovered corruption proceeds to support These resources will not benefit minority communities such as the Ogiek, the most vulnerable members of the Kenyan population, especially Endorois, Awer, Sengwer and Wayyu communities because the resources are the needy in our urban areas targeting vulnerable communities in the urban areas;

4. Tax Measure: (i) The changes in the income tax rate together with the adjustment of the VAT (a) 100 % Tax Relief for persons earning gross monthly income of are meant to ensure that employees have more of their earnings available to up to Kshs. 24,000; them to spend. This will only benefit the few minorities and indigenous (b) Reduction of Top Income Tax Rate (Pay-As-You-Earn) from persons who are part of gainful employment; 30% to 25%; (ii) Reduction in corporate tax will help in reducing the corporate tax burden as (c) Reduction of Resident Income Tax (Corporation Tax) from an incentive to the business enterprises; 30% to 25%; (iii) The reduction in Income Tax by 5% will have little impact on minority (d) Reduction of the VAT from 16% to 14%, effective 1st communities because they are largely unrepresented in payroll of Counties, April,2020; Ministries, Departments, Public Corporations and Agencies as well as in the (e) Reduction of the turnover tax rate from the current 3% to 1% private sector; for all Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); 5. The lowering of the Central Bank Rate (CBR) from 7.25% to 8.25% This initiative was aimed at prompting commercial banks to lower the interest rates to their borrowers, thus availing the much needed and affordable credit to MSMEs across the country. 6. The lowering of the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to 4.25% from This measure was aimed at providing additional liquidity of Ksh. 35 Billion to 5.25%. commercial banks to directly support borrowers that are distressed as a result of the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic 7. Appropriation of Kshs. 10 Billion to the elderly, orphans and other This was meant to cushion the elderly, orphans and other vulnerable members of vulnerable members of the Kenyan society through cash-transfers the Kenyan society from the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection pandemic. However, it is not clear where the recipients were properly identified and paid. 8. Temporary suspension of the listing with Credit Reference Bureaus This has very little or no impact to the minority groups and indigenous (CRB) of any person, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises communities given that majority of them are forest people whose lands are not (MSMES) and corporate entities whose loan account fall overdue or titled therefore cannot benefit from the relief since title deed is a loan requirement is in arrears, effective 1st April, 2020. in most financial institutions. Again, a host of the minority groups are not part of the formal economy hence might not benefit from a measure meant to benefit the formal economy. 9. Payment of at least of Kshs. 13 billion of the verified pending bills, This has no impact on minority groups and indigenous communities considering within three weeks from the date hereof (25th March 2020). that most of them are not suppliers or contractors of many government projects across the country.

43 World Health Organization (2013). Understanding the labour market of Human Resources for : https://www.who.int/hrh/tools/Kenya_final.pdf?ua=1

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Government Measure/Response Impact of the Measure # 10.Expedite the payment of all verified VAT refund claims amounting Many of the members of minority groups and indigenous communities are either to Kshs. 10 billion within 3 weeks; or in the alternative, allow for forest people or pastoralists. This therefore has no impact on many members of offsetting of Withholding VAT, in order to improve cash flows for these two groups of people in Kenya. businesses 11.Appropriation of Kshs. 1.0 billion from the Universal Health This action may benefit minority groups and indigenous communities especially Coverage kitty for the recruitment of additional health workers to if the recruited health workers are posted to regions occupied by minority groups. support in the management of the spread of COVID-19 However, since it is a national government expenditure, minorities most of whom live in rural areas will not benefit from the resources. 12.Appropriations of Kshs. 5 billion conditional grant to counties. The Despite the fact that this promise was made by President Kenyatta on April 16, funds were to be devoted to cushioning the most vulnerable people 2020 no such funds had been disbursed to counties by the end of May 202044. The besides protecting the healthcare workers in the counties. delayed disbursement of the funds by the National Treasury meant that the vulnerable groups in the counties (minority and indigenous communities included) continue to suffer the economic effects of the pandemic. 13.Kenya National budget Estimate for FY 2020/2021 An analysis of the draft National Government Budget for FY 2020/21 reveals a number of gaps some of which have a direct impact on minority and indigenous communities. For instance, Kenya’s Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) noted that the budget estimates lack a comprehensive economic reform package to address the immediate health needs and guide economic recovery post Covid-19. Further, the PBO points out that there is no sufficient funds to respond to Covid-19 in the coming financial year. From the proposed budget, there is only Kshs. 2.6 billion to be spent on mass testing of Covid-19 patients. It is therefore not clear whether there are COVI-19 sensitive budget lines hidden in other departments. This will likely impact adversely the minorities and indigenous communities given that they are mostly poor and do not have access to adequate health care services.

Arising from the gaps identified in the draft budget FY 2020/21 there is need for the national government should: (a) increase allocation for testing treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) following declining donor funding (Global Fund); (b) increase funding on reproductive health to ensure communities access quality maternal and family planning services; and (c) expand the cash transfer programs in order to benefit all the PwDs

All these are pertinent issues which have a severe impact on minorities and indigenous communities in Kenya if they remain unsolved.

44 Where that is promised Covid-19 Sh5bn? Asks Oparanya. Accessed from https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2020-05-20- wheres-that-promised-covid-19-sh5bn-asks-oparanya/

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In addition to the above legal, taxation and policy measures, the government established the Kenya COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund run and overseen by the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund Board established pursuant to the Public Finance Management (COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund) Regulations, 2020.45 Accordingly, the principal objective of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund is to mobilize resources for an emergency response towards containing the spread, effects and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Kenyan economy and welfare of the people46. The resources mobilized by the Funds Board are expected to provide support to the government’s efforts in the supply of medical facilities and equipment in addition to supporting the vulnerable communities with their immediate needs, including food.

These measures by the government were aimed at minimizing the negative impacts of the coronavirus on the economy and on the welfare of the citizen. These were complemented by the various measures initiated and undertaken by respective counties under review.

County Governments An analysis of the responses at the County level shows that although each of the nine counties instituted specific measures, all of them set up County Emergency Response Committees (CERCs) co-chaired by both the Governor and the County Commissioners in each of the Counties. This section looks at the specific responses and actions by each county in combating the spread and effects of the coronavirus pandemic in these counties.

Nakuru County

In responding to the threats posed by the Coronavirus pandemic, Nakuru County Government set up an ad hoc Emergency Response Committee to coordinate responses to Covid-19. The committee was made up of 15 members and some of their mandates included: playing an oversight role on Covid-19 funds, activation of early warning systems, and identification of vulnerable groups of people to benefit from the available funds and finally carry out awareness campaigns.

45 Public Finance Management (COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund) Regulations, 2020 accessed from https://www.treasury.go.ke/publications/regulations/category/71-pfm-regulations.html?download=1050:pfm-covid-19- regulations-2020-revised-draft-27032020-psnt 46 Kenya Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund Board accessed from https://www.kenyacovidfund.co.ke/ 20

In addition, the Nakuru County Assembly also formed a 15-man ad hoc committee to coordinate and act as a link between the assembly and the County Covid-19 Emergency Response Committee.47 Further, the County Assembly approved a second supplementary budget for FY 2019/2020.48 The County Assembly increased the Supplementary budget from Kshs. 250 million to Kshs. 310 million. This amount was allocated under the department of Finance and Economic Planning. These resources were earmarked for mitigating the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. An analysis of the Nakuru County Assembly’s Budget and Appropriation Committee on the report of the Supplementary Budget shows that these resources will be used in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, infestation of desert locusts and installation of security lights to stem the likely increase in insecurity as a result of loss of livelihood. Out of this budget, Kshs. 30 million was allocated towards procurement of ventilators and beds for Nakuru County Referral Hospital.

From the Kshs. 310 million set aside for Covid-19 Response, Kshs. 205 million was to be spent on humanitarian assistance which included provision of food rations for vulnerable households in all the 55 wards49 of Nakuru County. A second tranche of Kshs. 45 million will be spent on food rations for vulnerable families in the most vulnerable wards. It is expected that the allocated amount would benefit 34 wards such as Bahati, Subukia, Mosop, Kiptagich, London, , Molo, , Nyota, Mai Mahiu, Flamingo, Kaptembwo, and Nakuru East among others. These wards were selected because of the presence of flower and tea farms, informal settlements, farm workers and sand harvesting workers. From the information provided in the supplementary budget estimates, it is clear that minority groups and forest dwellers in Mau East are not among the beneficiaries from the funds set aside for humanitarian assistance. This implies that the forest dwellers such as the Ogiek who are residents in four (4) wards will not benefit from the humanitarian support provided by the Nakuru County Covid-19 Emergency Response Committee. To remedy this anomaly, the Ogiek need to petition Nakuru County Assembly to have them included under the vulnerable people in Nakuru County and hence benefit from the resources set aside for fighting Covid-19 pandemic.

47 Nakuru County Government, (2020). Ad hoc committee to combat C-19. Available at http://assembly.nakuru.go.ke/web/the- assembly-unveils-an-ad-hoc-committee-to-curb-covid-19/ 48 Report on Nakuru County Supplementary Budget II FY 2019/2020 accessed from http://assembly.nakuru.go.ke/web/wp- content/uploads/2020/04/Report-on-Supplementary-budget-II-FY-2019-20-srd.pdf on May 5, 2020. 49 Wards are administrative units below the sub-county level 21

An analysis of the enacted supplementary budget shows that Kshs. 30 million was set aside to be spent as Governor Kitty. This amount will also be used for provision of food rations for the vulnerable families in Nakuru County but spent directly by the Office of the Governor.

In the supplementary budget, Nakuru County Covide-19 Emergency Fund was allocated Kshs. 20 million from the total Kshs. 310 million set aside for fighting Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. Kshs. 10 million was allocated for the mitigation of desert locusts which have for several months invaded East African countries such as Kenya, , and . These locusts are destroying millions of tons of food crops in the horn of Africa and if they are not controlled, they may worsen food insecurity in the region50. Now coronavirus has worsened the situation considering that the supply chain for pesticides has been interrupted and governments and other agencies have shifted their attention to responding to the deadly coronavirus pandemic outbreak.

Turkana County

Turkana County is the home of the (majority) who are an indigenous community in Kenya. The County’s land area stretches 64,782.3 square kilometers which is equivalent to Rwanda, Burundi and The Gambia (African countries) combined. Turkana County Government has set up a County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to help the government mobilize resources to effectively address the current pandemic and in addition, it has allocated an initial Kshs. 479.8 million through the enactment of the supplementary budget for FY 2019/20. A total of Kshs. 667.6 million was appropriated for COVID-19 emergency response. The major beneficiaries from this supplementary budget was the department of Health which was allocated Kshs 159 million and that of the public service and disaster management51 which got Kshs. 441 million for provision of relief food to vulnerable people52. Given the locust invasion, food insecurity is going to be the next biggest challenge for the horn of Africa and national and regional

50 Noor, (2020). Locusts are raving the horn of Africa, Coronavirus is making things worse. Gizmodo. Accessed on 4th June, 2020. https://earther.gizmodo.com/locusts-are-ravaging-the-horn-of-africa-covid-19-is-mak-1842550657 51 Turkana County To Spend Kshs. 667 Million To Combat Covid 19 Pandemic. retrieved from on https://kenyainsights.com/turkana-county-to-spend-sh667-million-to-combat-covid-19-pandemic/ on May 5, 2020 52 Turkana MCAs approve Sh667m to fight Covid-19 retrieved from https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/rift-valley/2020-04-24- turkana-mcas-approve-sh667m-to-fight-covid-19/ on May 5, 2020. 22 governments must therefore prepare adequately on how to mitigate these potential challenges in the nearby future.

In addition, Floods in Turkana is another problem that the County government is dealing with. Recent floods killed more people in Turkana and other parts of Kenya than those killed by Covid- 19 pandemic. These challenges require equal attention. Available evidence shows that at least eleven (11) people have died as a result of floods in Turkana County53. Floods also kill livestock which are the main source of livelihood and have left many people homeless.

The Turkana County Covid-19 response funds can only have an impact if it is also used to respond to flood victims. Awareness should be raised by various stakeholders to ensure that motorists do not force their way through rivers which have burst their banks and people residing in low grounds encouraged to move to higher grounds.

An analysis of the information collected from Key Informant Interviews (KII) indicates that many people in Turkana County have no access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), social distancing is not observed and no hand washing is practiced more especially among the rural residents. Isolation quarantine centers have been set up at County Referral Hospital, Lodwar Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Campus and Lodwar High School. This is clear that those in the remote areas will struggle to access these facilities in the event of an outbreak of the pandemic in the county.

Baringo County

Baringo County is the home of Endorois minority group and has not been left behind in responding to Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. As a way of responding to the pandemic, the County Assembly of Baringo recently approved an allocation of Kshs. 200 million in the Supplementary budget II for Financial Year 2019/2020 for Covid-19 responses. These resources will be used as follows: Kshs. 31 million for Rapid Response, Kshs. 70 million for food distribution, Kshs. 99 million for water supply to the residents and Kshs. 70 million for food reserve.

53 Lutta (2020). Floods kill 11 people in Turkana. Accessed on 4th May, 2020 on: https://reliefweb.int/report/kenya/floods-kill-11- people-turkana

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It is expected that in implementing the COVID-19 measures, the Baringo County would ensure that the most marginalized groups such as women, Persons Living with Disability (PwD) and the elderly are prioritized. These groups are in most cases disproportionately affected by disasters such as the coronavirus pandemic. The County government should also ensure that the members of minority groups such as the Endorois Community who are located around in Baringo County also benefit from government Covid-19 responses. The county government should also focus on the issue of intersectionality when addressing the negative impacts of Covid-19. For instance, as much as the Endorois community is likely to be disproportionately affected, deliberate efforts must be made to address the issues of People with Disabilities (PwDs), women and the elderly.

People with Disability (PwD) in the Endorois Community are grappling with food insecurity and are unable to keep social distance due to the fact that they depend on others for mobility. In practice, social security funds only benefits those who were registered four years ago and have severe disabilities.

According to Key Informants, gender-based violence has been on the rise due to the Covid-19 measures and restrictions. “With no food or casual jobs, and the issue of staying at home has given room to increase in gender-based violence.” Most of these cases go unreported in pastoral communities and hence the victims, majority of whom are women end up suffering in silence.

Bungoma County

Bungoma County being a boarder county is highly susceptible to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, at the beginning of May 2020, the County had reported 2 cases, both being truck drivers of Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. This increases the odds of the coronavirus spreading to in the County. According to Katiba Institute (2020), Bungoma County is home to various ethnic minorities such as the Chepkitale and the Ogiek of Mt. Elgon.

By the time Covid-19 pandemic broke out, Bungoma County Referral Hospital did not have a single ICU bed. This exposed the county’s lack of capacity to deal with the pandemic. If the

24 situation is not remedied the county will be forced to depend on private hospitals with ICU beds to serve the residents during the pandemic outbreak. As Covid-19 continues threatening the lives of people all over the world, patients share beds in Bungoma County Referral hospital. The congestion is likely to trigger further spread of the Covid- 19 virus. The 232 bed capacity in Bungoma County Referral Hospital admits up to 400 patients at a time. Overall, Bungoma County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2018-2022 points out that “inpatient services outweighs the bed capacity thus resulting in 115% bed occupancy.”

As part of the recent Covid-19 response, Bungoma County had allegedly bought 600 20-litres water containers each at Kshs. 10,000.54 These containers were meant for promoting hand washing across Bungoma County. In addition, the Kshs. 6.9 million Covid-19 fund meant for raising awareness was reportedly misappropriated by the county government. This means that well deserving people from minority and indigenous communities such as the Sengwer will not be able to be safeguarded against Covid-19 in case of a serious outbreak. Kenya’s Ethics and Anti- Corruption Commission (EACC) is following up on this matter according to media reports55.These allegedly wasted resources will have adverse impact on women, the elderly and minority groups.

Lamu County

Lamu County is among the 12 counties that are yet to report any cases of COVID-19 in Kenya. But in anticipation of the spread of the pandemic into the county, Lamu County Government has established a Kshs 10 million contingency kitty56 to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the county. In a bid to improve Covid-19 preparedness, the County distributed 100,000 face masks to residents of the County. The County also increased access to water points within the county with Lamu Water and Sewerage Company reconnecting disconnected water meters across the county in a bid to ensure proper sanitation measures as one of the strategies to overcome Covid-19.

54 Bungoma’s Kshs 10,000 per jerrycan supplier was paid in single day https://www.nation.co.ke/dailynation/news/bungoma-s-sh10-000-per-jerrycan-supplier-was-paid-in-single-day-285768 55 Mwere (2020). We are monitoring use of Covid-19 funds. Accessed on 30 May, 2020 on: https://www.nation.co.ke/dailynation/news/we-re-monitoring-use-of-covid-19-funds-eacc-boss-says-287896 56 Lamu County Sets up a Kshs10 Million COVID-19 Fund Kitty for Pandemic retrieved from https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/lamu-county-sets-up-sh10-million-covid-19-fund-kitty-for-pandemic/ on May 4, 2020. 25

It also emerged that the County also established a COVID-19 crisis committee meant to oversee the management of the implementation of preventive and socioeconomic management measures such as the disbursement of food and supplies across the county. Further, the County Assembly approved the Kshs. 157 million supplementary budget57 for FY 2019/20 purposely to cushion Lamu County residents against the aftershocks of the pandemic, finance preventive measures meant to inhibit further spread of coronavirus in Lamu besides addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on main economic sectors (tourism and fishing).

Access to health services particularly by the Awer ethnic minority group in Lamu remains a challenge. This is occasioned by lack of secure infrastructure such as road to ferry patients who seek specialized attention at Lamu Referral Hospital. This situation will be worsened in case of an outbreak considering that the kitty is inadequate given that Lamu does not have even a single ICU bed and no functional ventilators to attend to those who may need emergency treatment58.

Laikipia County

Laikipia County is home to ethnic minority communities such as the Endorois and Yaaku Community. The Yaaku forest Peoples are predominantly found in Laikipia County. In order to prepare the county for possible cases of the coronavirus pandemic, the Laikipia County Assembly enacted the Kshs. 138 million supplementary budget for the financial year 2019/2020 to be used for addressing any unforeseen emergencies.

To achieve a coordinated approach towards responding to the effects of the pandemic, the County government set up a County Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund Committee59. Among the committee’s mandates is to mobilize resources and distribute food and cash donations to the vulnerable groups within Laikipia County.

57 Lamu County government secures Covid-19 funds following the county assembly’s approval of a Kshs 157 million supplementary budget. https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/lamu-government-distributes-100000-masks-to-enhance-covid- 19-preparedness/ 58 Kerosi (2020). Kenya should prioritize minority and Indigenous Community in the fight against Covid-19: Accessed on https://minorityrights.org/2020/04/20/kenya-mips-covid/ 59 Laikipia County Government (2020). Appointment of Laikipia Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund Committee. Accessed on: https://laikipia.go.ke/689/appointment-laikipia-covid-19-emergency-response-fund-committee

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In addition to budgetary allocations, Laikipia County has taken measures such as waiving land rates to cushion landowners against Covid-19. In readiness to handle possible Covid-19 cases in Laikipia, the county has established a 34-bed quarantine center at ASK Show Ground while there are 17 beds at Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital and 15 beds at County Referral Hospital.

It is evident that the county is focusing on urban areas in terms of Covid-19 Response and measures while other vulnerable people in the rural areas such as the Yaaku Community in Mukogodo forest are simply forgotten and have continued to face marginalization and exclusion. In addition, there are only seven people who speak the Yakunte language which means that their language is in danger of extinction due to assimilation by the Maasai of Laikipia North.

Laikipia County government should ensure that besides creating an awareness among the minority and indigenous communities within the County, County Government must ensure that the Kshs. 138 million budget meant for provision of food rations also benefit the Yaaku People of Mukogodo forest.

Narok County

Narok County, just like Bungoma and Mandera are boarder counties and as such are likely to be victims of importation of covid-19 cases. It is against this background that Narok County embarked on extensive public awareness campaigns and mass testing of people in quarantine facilities. To enhance the county’s preparedness, Narok County Government started the distribution of face masks manufactured by Narok Vocational Training Center besides undertaking fumigation and distribution of food rations.

Further, to coordinate the response measures within the County, Narok County Government established the County Covid-19 Mitigation Committee mandated to identify the needs of the county residents and compilation of lists of beneficiaries at the ward level.

Besides the pandemic, the county also got affected by the recent floods. The floods brought wanton destruction of infrastructure such as roads and bridges. For instance, the Siyapei Bridge was

27 washed away by the floods. The destruction of roads and bridges made it difficult for the residents to reach hospitals during emergencies or transport food to other parts of the county.

Further, in terms of the county’s preparedness, it was reported that Narok County procured 16 additional ventilators for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Narok County Referral Hospital. The County also embarked on training health workers for purposes of enhancing the health sector’s level of preparedness. Despite Narok County government reporting their responses and measures on its official social media platforms, the county has not made their supplementary budgets available in public domain to promote openness and transparency in financial management as required by the Public Finance Act 2012 and the 2010.

Mandera County

The county is located to the North Eastern part of Kenya and has an estimated population of one million persons60. This population is expected to grow to 1.6 million by 2022. shares its borders with Somalia and Ethiopia thus making it susceptible to cross-border transmissions. For many years, Mandera County has faced many insecurity challenges including terrorist attacks from across the international border with Somalia. In addition to that, banditry and clan wars worsens the security situation.

Mandera County is one of the boarder counties to have recorded positive COVID-19 cases. To contain the spread of the virus in the county, the national government imposed a cessation of movement in and out of Mandera County for a period of 21 days in addition to the banned social gatherings including mosques but in deviance, residents were, reportedly, crossing the border to Somalia to attend Mosque services.

The County government has established an isolation facility at Mandera County Referral Hospital and 7 others (one in each of the seven sub-counties). However, these facilities have inadequate supplies such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health workers hence exposing them to the risk of being infected with Coronavirus pandemic.

60 Mandera County Integrated Development Plan 2018 -2022; 28

Isiolo County

Isiolo County is located in the North Eastern region of Kenya and has a population of 268,002 people spread in the County’s two Constituencies – Isiolo North and Isiolo South. As part of its preparedness, the county set aside Kshs. 40 million for COVID-119 interventions. In particular, the funds were invested on establishing an operational isolation ward at Isiolo County Referral Hospital. The study also found out that, out of the same budget, the county established an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward with bed capacity of six patients and supported by seven bed capacity high dependency unit to help deal with Covid-19 cases.

The County Government also constituted the County Emergency Response Committee to coordinate the response strategies in addition to mobilizing resources meant to cushion the residents from the adverse effects of the pandemic. With the support of the United States Department of Defense, the county renovated the laboratory that will be used as the testing centre for patients from Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Laikipia and counties61.

An analysis of the County’s proposed budget62 of Kshs. 5.25 billion for financial year 2020/2021 shows that the Health Services department is expected to get Kshs. 1.2 billion which accounts for 22.9% of the total county budget. This sector receives the largest portion of the County budget. However, only 136.9 million or 11.4% of the total Kshs. 1.2 billion for Health Services is proposed for development expenditure. A large proportion of the health services budget will be used for personnel, operations and maintenance costs. The table below shows the health sector budget for the fiscal years 2019/20 and 2020/21. Table 3: Isiolo County Health Sector Budget for FY 2019/20 –FY2020/21 Programme FY 2019/20 FY 2020/21 Comments Preventive & Promotive 144.32 42.27 In the face of Covid-19 it is expected that governments should Health Services be allocating more funds to be used in purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and even vaccines, but Isiolo County is doing the opposite by cutting this budget line by 70 percent. Health Infrastructure Projects 35.10 62.00 There is an increase in budgetary allocation for health infrastructure projects. Curative & Rehabilitative 112.47 85.41 This budget line is declining instead of increasing in readiness Health Services for procurement of essential medicines including having enough resources for Covid-19 treatment.

61 Isiolo Opens Regional COVID-19 Testing Centre. Accessed from https://www.nation.co.ke/counties/isiolo/lab-approved-as- Covid-19-centre/1183266-5553984-150ow76/index.html on 29th may 2020 62 Isiolo County budget estimates: http://assembly.isiolo.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/BUDGET-ESTIMATES-FOR-THE- FINANCIAL-YEAR-ENDING-30TH-JUNE2021.pdf 29

Programme FY 2019/20 FY 2020/21 Comments Curative Infrastructure 48.59 38.20 The decline in this budget line has the same impact as the line Support for curative and rehabilitative health services. Total Sector Budget 1.4 billion 1.2billion The proposed budget for Health Services represents a 14.3% decline compared to sector allocations in FY 2019/2020.

Considering that the health sector is the leading sector in the war against the pandemic, one would expect more resources to be allocated to the sector but as shown in table 3 above, the overall budget of the Isiolo County health sector declined by 14.3%. The reduction in the health budget is likely going to affect the minorities and indigenous communities in the county.

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Conclusion and Recommendations Conclusions The study observed that level of awareness among the minority group and the indigenous communities in Kenya remains low given that both the levels of government focused much in creating awareness about the pandemic in the usual ways without paying deliberate attention to the unique needs of the minority groups. Further, the outbreak of the pandemic in Kenya exposed the existence of inequalities among the Kenya society. The government measures for mitigating the pandemic were largely targeting the urban population with no deliberate initiative to reach out to the minority groups and indigenous communities who are forest dwellers.

In addition, the study found out lack of transparency in the usage of the public finance set aside for Covid-19 interventions both at the national and county levels. Reports of alleged embezzlement of funds meant for COVID-19 interventions besides cases of nepotism were also reported in the course of the study.

In conclusion, it is incumbent upon state actors charged with the responsibility of protecting the rights and interests of the vulnerable people to ensure that such interests are protected at all times regardless of whether there is a pandemic or not.

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Recommendations The study makes the following recommendations: (a) The National Emergency Response Committees and the County Emergency Response Committees should ensure that the resources meant for cushioning the citizen from the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic reach the most vulnerable groups such as minority ethnic and indigenous communities located in remote areas and more especially Women and People with Disabilities; (b) In responding to the pandemic, both the state and non-state actors should include minorities and indigenous communities in their responses to Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in order to ensure that challenges unique to the minorities and indigenous persons are addressed from an informed point of view (c) The National, County governments, Civil Society and Community based Organizations working with minorities and indigenous communities and other key stakeholders in responding to Covid-19 pandemic should collaborate in ensuring that key messages on Covid-19 and future pandemics are produced and disseminated in local native languages, sign language and braille for purposes of awareness creation and fighting the pandemic among the minority group and indigenous communities. In places where internet is limited or unavailable, the government should adopt other means of outreach such as using native radio, or other forms of public service announcements; (d) In responding to the pandemic, both the state and non-state actors should take advantage of the challenges and lessons from the pandemic and convert them into opportunity for bettering the country’s infrastructure and strategies on response to emergencies in the future; (e) The National Government should put in place specific and targeted socio-economic measures aimed at addressing the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that the minorities and indigenous communities may suffer because of pre-existing precarious social and economic conditions. This may include targeted emergency financial aid to those minorities and indigenous communities working in the informal economy; (f) The Composition of the National Emergency Response Committees and the County Emergency Response Committees should incorporate the representation from the minority groups and indigenous communities;

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(g) With restrictions of movement, it is important for both the national and county governments to partner with the non-state actors to ensure that humanitarian assistance and information innovatively reaches the affected persons even in remote locations such as the forests where most of the minority groups and indigenous communities live; (h) The President of Kenya should ensure that the process of appointing a substantive Auditor- General is expedited. The appointment of a substantive Auditor will ensure that the spending of public funds including Covid-19 Response and affirmative action funds are audited in real-time and cases of embezzlement of the funds meant for the minorities and indigenous communities are unearthed and prosecuted; (i) The National Treasury should expedite the disbursement of COVID-19 emergency funds to the counties to avoid delays in providing food rations and related supplies to the most vulnerable groups; and (j) The National and County Governments should observe the principles of fiscal transparency and accountability by making all the expenditure details on the COVID-19 interventions publicly available.

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References Baringo County Government (2018). Baringo County Integrated Development Plan 2018-2022. Available at https://www.cog.go.ke/media-multimedia/reportss/category/106-county-integrated- development-plans-2018-2022?download=320:baringo-county-integrated-development-plan- 2018-2022

Bungoma County Government, (2018). Bungoma County Integrated Development Plan (2018 – 2022). Available at https://www.cog.go.ke/media-multimedia/reportss/category/106-county- integrated-development-plans-2018-2022?download=303:bungoma-county-integrated- development-plan-2018-2027

County Assembly of Nakuru, (2020). Report on Supplementary Budget II FY 2019/2020. Available at http://assembly.nakuru.go.ke/web/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Report-on- Supplementary-budget-II-FY-2019-20-srd.pdf

Isiolo County Government (2018). Isiolo County Integrated Development Plan 2018-2022. Available at https://www.cog.go.ke/media-multimedia/reportss/category/106-county-integrated- development-plans-2018-2022?download=322:isiolo-county-integrated-development-plan-2018- 2022

Katiba Institute, Kenya Human Rights Commission, Ogiek Peoples Development Program et al (2020). Defending Our Future: Overcoming the Challenges of Returning the Ogiek Home Available at http://www.katibainstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Defending-our-future- Ogiek-Report.pdf

Laikipia County Government 2018. Laikipia County Integrated Development Plan 2018-2022. Available at https://www.cog.go.ke/media-multimedia/reportss/category/106-county-integrated- development-plans-2018-2022?download=309:laikipia-county-integrated-development-plan- 2018-2022

Lamu County Government (2018). Lamu County Integrated Development Plan 2018-2022. Available at https://www.cog.go.ke/media-multimedia/reportss/category/106-county-integrated- development-plans-2018-2022?download=341:lamu-county-integrated-development-plan-2018- 2022

Mandera County Government 2018. Mandera County Integrated Development Plan 2018-2022. Available at https://www.cog.go.ke/media-multimedia/reportss/category/106-county-integrated- development-plans-2018-2022?download=334:mandera-county-integrated-development-plan- 2018-2022

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Nakuru County Assembly (2020). Report of the Budget and Appropriations Committee on Nakuru County Supplementary Budget II FY 2019/20. Available at http://assembly.nakuru.go.ke/web/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Report-on-Supplementary- budget-II-FY-2019-20-srd.pdf

Nakuru County Government (2018). Nakuru County Integrated Development Plan 2018-2022. Available at https://www.cog.go.ke/media-multimedia/reportss/category/106-county-integrated- development-plans-2018-2022?download=349:nakuru-county-integrated-development-plan- 2018-2022

Narok County Government (2018). Narok County Integrated Development Plan 2018-2022. Available at https://www.cog.go.ke/media-multimedia/reportss/category/106-county-integrated- development-plans-2018-2022?download=355:narok-county-integrated-development-plan- 2018-2022

Republic of Kenya (2020). Public Finance Management (COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund) Regulations, 2020. Nairobi, National Treasury. Available at https://www.treasury.go.ke/publications/regulations/category/71-pfm- regulations.html?download=1050:pfm-covid-19-regulations-2020-revised-draft-27032020-psnt

Republic of Kenya (2010). Constitution of Kenya 2010. Nairobi: The Government Printer.

Republic of Kenya (2012). Public Finance Management Act, 2012. Nairobi: The Government Printer.

Republic of Kenya (2020). Unpacking the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2020/2021 and the medium term. Nairobi, Parliamentary Budget Office. Available at http://parliament.go.ke/sites/default/files/2020- 05/Estimates%20of%20Revenue%20and%20Expenditure%20for%20202021.pdf

Republic of Kenya (2020). Programme Based Budget (PBB) Estimates Financial Year 2020/202. Available at https://www.treasury.go.ke/component/jdownloads/send/216-budget-books/1566- pbb-2020-21-draft-28-04-2020.html

Republic of Kenya (2020) 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census (Vol.1). Nairobi, Kenya Bureau of Statistics. Available at https://sentaokenya.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Volume- 1-Kenya-Population-by-County-Sub-County-2019.pdf

Republic of Kenya (2020). The Pandemic Response and Management Bill, 2020. Nairobi, . Available at https://sentaokenya.org/?smd_process_download=1&download_id=24837

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Turkana County Government 2018. Turkana County Integrated Development Plan 2018-2022. Available at https://www.cog.go.ke/media-multimedia/reportss/category/106-county-integrated- development-plans-2018-2022?download=321:turkana-county-integrated-development-plan- 2018-2022

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Appendices List of Key Informant Interviews

S/No. Name Community

1. Halima Hire Somali -

2. Phoebe Ndiema Ogiek - Mt. Elgon

3. Mohamed Kitete Awer Community Lamu

4. Yator Kiptum Sengwer Community - Embobut

5. Adan Omar Isiolo - Somali Community

6. Christine Kandie Endorois Community

7. Fatuma Bilal Nubian Community -

8. Jackson Shaa Maasai Community

9. Gabriel Naspaan Turkana Community

10. Merian Matunge Yaaku Cultural Group

11. Dr. Christopher Galgalo Wayyu Community in Marsabit

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Key Informant Questionnaire 1.0 General Questions (a) Are you aware of existence of coronavirus pandemic in Kenya? ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………… (b) Has positive cases of coronavirus been reported in your locality? If yes, how many? ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… (c) Do members of your community have access to sanitizers, face masks and running water to respond to Covid-19? ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… (d) What has been the impact of Covid-19 measures such as curfew, cessation of movement, social-distancing and washing hands? ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………….……………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… …….……………………………………………………………………………………….. (e) Has your community members received any food rations provided by the County government? ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………

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2.0 County Covid-19 measures and responses (a) What laws and regulations have been put in place by your county government in response to Covid-19? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… (b) What impact has these amendments in laws, regulations, policies and practice had on the lives of residents? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… (c) Has the county government raised sufficient awareness around the new changes in law, policy and practice? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… (d) Are there any isolation or quarantine centres near your community? If yes, how many kilometers? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… (e) Are hospitals and other healthcare centres near the community well equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), ICU beds and ventilators to handle any emerging cases of Covid-19? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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3.0. Questions on resources available to fight Covid-19? (a) How much has your county government set aside through supplementary budgets to respond to Covid-19? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… (b) Are supplementary budgets for your county government available on public domain? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… (c) What your county spending Covid-19 resources on? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4.0 Questions regarding impact of measures on People with Disability (PWD) (a) How many people are living with disability in your community? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… (b) What issues are facing People with Disability during this period of Covid-19? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… (c) What are the key issues under normal circumstances in regards to access to education, political and social participation? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… (d) What are the additional issues faced by PWD under Covid-19? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… *END*

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