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Alarm over test kits shortage as Kenya inches closer to peak

A researcher at Kemri prepares reagents for testing samples for Covid-19.

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
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By  Allan Olingo  &  Nasibo Kabale

What you need to know:

  • The government has made just about every possible mistake in handling the pandemic.
  • It is now doing under 5,000 tests a day, despite spending over Sh1.8 billion on reagents.
  • The test is free in State facilities but private labs charge between Sh8,700-Sh10,000.

As Kenya inches closer to the peak of Covid-19 pandemic, a shortage of reagents for testing and contact tracing remain the biggest challenges.

With the country just weeks away from the projected 450,000 positive cases, State labs are running on empty.

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