COVID Response

Kidogo's Response to the Global Pandemic

Covid-19 in Kenya

Current Situation in Kenya

First reported case: March 13th, 2020
As of December 28, 2020 there were 95,992 confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout Kenya, with 77,521 recovered patients and 1,664 related deaths. [Link to Updated Figures]
Government of Kenya (GOK) implemented various public health measures including:
- Bars, restaurants and other establishments must close by 9pm effective November 04, 2020
- Mandatory wearing of masks in public remains in effect.
- Domestic air travel resumed on July 15th
- International flights resumed on August 1st.
- Some grade levels – Examination Classes – have resumed in person learning under heightened health safety measures.
- All other basic learning classes plan to resume in person January 2021.
- University and colleges opened in September 2020 after meeting strict COVID-19 regulations.

While these types of restrictions are common globally, the socio-economic challenges in Kenya makes this crisis even more precarious for the low-income families Kidogo serves.

Up to 80% of the population is employed in the informal sector, rely on daily income to survive
60% of Nairobi’s population lives in densely populated informal settlements (slums) where physical distancing is effectively impossible

Kidogo's Response

The Kidogo team has worked tirelessly to respond to the public health crisis and the resulting economic crisis. In particular, the following initiatives were launched to support vulnerable children & families in the communities where we work:

Stimulation

Play Packs

To ensure children continue to play and learn during the closures, Kidogo is providing play materials, resources for parents, and age appropriate home-learning guides. Distributed 30,468 playpacks so far

Health

Handwashing

Recognizing the importance of handwashing in curbing the spread of the virus, Kidogo partnered with Lifebuoy to provide free soap to families and replenish handwashing supplies for all daycares

Nutrition

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Micronutrients

With malnutrition & stunting rates already increasing, Kidogo began distributing micronutrient supplements to at-risk children, and providing support for daycare feeding programs. 150 children with malnutrition supported so far

Parenting

Digital Caregiver

Kidogo has expanded our various digital platforms (SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook) to provide tips, tricks, reminders, and 1-1 support to parents with young children during this difficult time