The family which is a fundamental unit of the society has been shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic as it bears the total burden of the disease.
The pandemic has exerted unprecedented pressure on many families faced with declining income and joblessness. Others are struggling with medical bills, trauma and stigma cast by Covid-19. Lockdowns, restrictions of movement and social distancing have made it difficult for families to care for loved ones hospitalised or in isolation.
The toll is heavy on those who have lost their loved ones during this season. A Covid death is a nightmare for most families who never get a chance to say goodbye for closure and if they do they are forced to withstand an undignified burial. The manner in which the hurried burials are conducted present another challenge for the families which may forever be haunted.
Indeed, Covid-19 has scarred thousands of families that are dealing with unemployment, frustration, and unstable emotions owing to increased cases of domestic violence and now being forced to adjust to a new normal of living with the virus which could be endemic.
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International Day of Families
In the wake of the most challenging global health and social crises, Kenya on Friday joined the rest of the world in marking International Day of Family endorsed by the United Nations.
The UN observes that the Coronavirus pandemic brings into sharp focus the importance of investing in social policies protecting the most vulnerable individuals and families.
The theme for this year is “Families in development: Copenhagen & Beijing +25 which is the 25th anniversary of the Copenhagen Declaration and Beijing Platform for Action.
The government acknowledges that families bear the brunt of the crisis, sheltering their members from harm, caring for out of school children and at the same time continuing their work responsibilities.
It is for this reason that several intervention measures have been undertaken to cushion families from Covid-19 pandemic.
Ksh.8.7B has been released for payment to beneficiaries enrolled in the Government cash transfer programmes for older persons, persons with severe disabilities and orphaned and vulnerable children.
The Ministry in partnership with stakeholders has developed the National Policy on Family Promotion and Protection. The draft National Policy on Family Promotion and Protection is the only policy in Kenya to focus specifically on the concept of ‘family’ and its need to be supported by the State.
The Ministry has submitted the family policy to Cabinet for approval.
The government is currently undertaking a pilot targeting 108,199 households has been carried out in the four counties under a lockdown of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi, The amount being paid per beneficiary is Ksh. 2000 for every 2 weeks for the next 3 months.
A model centre for older persons has also been set up by the ministry in Mwea, Kirinyaga County for other individuals/organizations/counties to benchmark with when setting up institutions for care and support for older persons.
The centre once operationalized, will be utilized to host vulnerable older persons rescued from incidences of either abuse, neglect or abandonment in need of care, support and protection.
The government is working with UN agencies to protect children and women from domestic violence.
The Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund has undertaken emergency rescue of homeless street persons and cushioning them from contracting Covid-19 pandemic.
The fund intends to link the rehabilitated street families with existing social protection initiatives to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
The Trust Fund is coming up with a formation of County Stakeholders Chapter that will deal with street affairs as every county experience different need for street families.
