15 counties where you are likely to die of disease

– All public hospitals in the country have just under 500 ICU beds and 437 ventilators even as Kenya is faced with surging cases of COVID-19

– Some 26 counties have been able to meet the required 300 bed capacity for COVID-19 patients while 21 have been given until July 22 to comply

– Nairobi, Mombasa, Bungoma, Laikipia, Garissa and Machakos counties have been able to set-up at least 400 isolation beds

– Turkana, Wajir, Kitui, Lamu, Kisumu, Marsabit, Migori, Meru, Nyamira and Samburu are among devolved units yet to achieve the 300-bed capacity

– Vihiga, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Samburu, Tana River and Embu are among counties least prepared to deal with the scourge

Over a month after President Uhuru Kenyatta directed all counties to set aside at least 300 beds for COVID-19 patients, it has emerged that some 21 devolved units have not achieved the target.

When the president issued this order, he also indicated that ability by the counties to contact trace, isolate and treat COVID-19 patients will be one of the parameters used to set the stage for reopening of the economy.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta (pictured) directed all counties to install at least 300 beds for COVID-19 cases. Photo: State House Kenya.
Source: Facebook

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However, even as the head of state kickstarted phased reopening of the economy on Monday, July 6, only 26 counties had achieved the 300-bed capacity and a few ICU units.

Counties that have not achieved 300-bed capacity

Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Isiolo, Kajiado, Siaya, Taita-Taveta, Tana River, Baringo, Bomet, , Turkana, Wajir, Kitui, Lamu, Kisumu, Marsabit, Migori, Meru, Nyamira and Samburu.

The 21 counties have been given until July 22 to have at least 300 beds to care for COVID-19 patients.

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Over 300 beds

Nairobi, Mombasa, Bungoma, Laikipia, Garissa and Machakos have hit the 400 mark.

Some 20 other devolved units have at least 300 isolation beds.

President Uhuru kick-started phased reopening of the economy on July 6. Photo: State House Kenya.
Source: Facebook

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Status of ICU beds

After the president lifted the cessation of movement order on July 6, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe warned that there will be a spike in the number of positive cases.

Apart from a higher number of positives, Kagwe also cautioned that the number of people with severe complications was set to bulge; a situation likely to result in more COVID-19 related deaths.

In a move to prevent such deaths, critically ill patients need specialised care in ICUs while others will have to be hooked on ventilators if they develop breathing problems.

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Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe. Photo: MoH.
Source: Facebook

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As of Saturday, July 11, Kenya had 44 patients in the ICU out of which 22 were on ventilators while 22 others were receiving supplementary oxygen.

At the moment, according to Council of Governors Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya, the country has 442 ICU beds, 437 ventilators and slightly over 10,000 isolation beds.

Nairobi county accounts for about 246 of the ICU beds, Murang’a (35) and Machakos (30).

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COVID-19 patients who develop breathing problems are hooked on ventilators. Photo: MoH.
Source: UGC

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Not more than 10 ICU beds

Makueni, Kilifi, Turkana, Isialo, Wajir, Busia, Bomet, Laikiapia, Uasing Gishu and Garissa.

More than 10 ICU beds but not more than 15 units

Kajiado, Kisii, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Trans Nzoia and Kiambu.

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