07/02/2022
Kenya is experiencing a new wave of Covid. The Omicron variant seems to have taken over. There has also been a high incidence of ‘flu’ cases in the communities.
2021 was a year full of difficulties for Kenya, and 2022 opens with concerns of possible new restrictions that could deal the final blow to the fragile economy.
In this complex and difficult landscape, there are also positive stories. What we are telling you today is the story of a man who decided to raise awareness in a country where vaccination reluctance is still high, despite the fact that vaccines are finally coming.
Leonard Kiplagat wanted to perform a symbolic act: he walked from Eldoret with the Kenyan flag and recently reached the capital Nairobi. He did this to thank the health personnel and to urge people to get vaccinated.
Leonard decided to act because of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant and low vaccination rates. In December, just over 10 percent of people in Kenya were vaccinated.
Leonard, carrying a whistle and a flag, walked more than 300 km, stopping at markets, bus stations and calling people to inform them of the risks of the virus and the benefits of vaccination. A gesture of strength and hope, which the local ministry also declared commendable.
Together with our local partner Necofa, we at Mani Tese are following with concern the evolution of the situation and the news of many people reporting cases of flu. Nevertheless, we continue to raise awareness alongside the communities in these days with our cooperation projects AGRI-CHANGE: small business big opportunities, co-financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, MAZIWA! youth employment and economic development in rural areas, co-financed by the Emilia Romagna Region, and MAZIWA! an integrated approach to the dairy goat supply chain in Baringo, entirely supported by Mani Tese.
