Yesterday, the government of Kenya announced that all elementary and secondary school in Kenya are closing to do their best to protect the children from the virus. President Uhuru Kenyatta in a televised address said: “We have suspended learning in all our educational institutions with immediate effect.” The President also asked for as many people to stay at home and wash their hands as often as possible.
Although shutting down the schools was a complete surprise to Kenya, it has not been a surprise for Africa. Africa is seeing a steady spread of the coronavirus across the continent, with five new countries confirming cases on Saturday, so that 26 of Africa’s 54 countries have COVID-19 patients. The following countries have cases:
- Egypt
- Algeria
- South Africa
- Tunisia
- Senegal
- Morocco
- Cameroon
- Burkina Faso
- Nigeria
- Togo
- DR Congo
- Congo
- Seychelles
- Rwanda
- Central African Republic
- Namibia
- Sudan
- Mauritania
- Eswatini
- Kenya
- Guinea
- Ghana
- Gabon
- Ivory Coast
- Ethiopia
- Republic of Congo
The first case stemmed from a Kenyan woman traveling from American to Kenya through the UK. The case was not confirmed till 12 days after she was in country. Sadly, Acacia of Hope expects new cases to come up today in Kenya and also Tanzania and Swaziland to join. Although some of our work has stopped, such as our gatherings of Bible Clubs and our children in our sponsorship program not attending school, there is still work to be done!
We will continue to serve as much as possible, as it’s our spiritual and profound duty, to share Christ and help those who need it the most!