ABSTRACT
The chapter sets out to explore the nature, impact, and progression of Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (hereafter COVID-19) in Kenya during its first two months (March–April 2020). In other words, what was the government of Kenya’s initial response and how did the religious leaders equally react to the shock that came with it? This forms the problem statement of the chapter, as the initial reaction to the pandemic will inform the incoming generations on how to deal with such unprecedented events. While the State strived hard to play its role in addressing the pandemic, the resultant ‘prophecies’ from some religious leaders will also be addressed so to ascertain their initial reaction (March–April 2020). Methodologically, the chapter makes a short comparative analysis of COVID-19 and the Spanish Flu of 1918 in order to aid the general understanding of global pandemics, and in its bid to demonstrate that both were medical matters. It also surveys the chronological events from 13 March to 25 April so as to understand the initial trends, the setbacks, and the progression of the pandemic. As we observe the negative socio-economic effects that COVID-19 has triggered, we still have to contend with the fact that a more creative way of dismantling the pandemic will be needed.
