COVID Response

Kidogo's Response to the Global Pandemic

Covid-19 in Kenya

Current Situation in Kenya

First reported case: March 13th, 2020
Confirmed cases: 912 / 50 deaths (as of May 19th) [Link to Updated Figures]
- Relatively early in ‘the curve'
- Limited testing (~1500 tests daily) suggests many more cases may be present but undetected
Government of Kenya (GOK) implemented various public health measures including:
- Closure of all schools & learning institutions
- A dusk-to-dawn curfew
- International travel ban + limited travel into/out of major cities (including Nairobi)
- Mandatory masks and limited occupancy in vehicles

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 to 3000 children 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. 99 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

COVID Response Fund

Our mission is to ensure all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of where they are born. This work is more important now than ever before as vulnerable children and families will be disproportionately affected by this crisis.

To support our response efforts, please consider making a contribution to our COVID Response Fund using the link below.