Customers and the WeTu team are using portable sinks to wash their hands at WeTu Mbita Hub
After the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 at the beginning of 2020, governments have implemented measures to slow the spread of the virus. Local organizations and companies such as WeTu responded to their responsibilities within the communities by continuously providing essential services such as safe drinking water and clean energy services.
COVID-19 in Kenya and the Western region
The pandemic has had a strongly perceptible negative impact on Kenya’s economy. Many formal and informal businesses had to close down and many people lost their jobs. Cross-border trade, which is the backbone of Western Kenya’s economy, has been hampered by the closure of the borders. The lockdown of the two biggest cities, Nairobi and Mombasa significantly slowed down the fishing business of Lake Victoria. Due to night curfew, fishermen operated with special authorization to be able to go out on the lake at night. First reports state a rise in cases of domestic violence presumably connected to the economic pressure. The National and County Governments responded to the economic slowdown with several support packages, such as weekly stipends and distribution of food and water to vulnerable families. Additionally to the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAF) some relief funds were enacted for formal Small and Medium Enterprises. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) provided basic prevention solutions, such as facemasks, hand sanitizers and soap alongside hand washing containers fitted with taps.
Information on preventive and safe behavior during the COVID 19 pandemic in Mbita.
Effects on our customers and our business
Most of our customers are working in small business enterprises. They closed their businesses or have to deal with few customers. Due to the lack of cash flow, some could and still cannot pay their rent and moved upcountry. Since Western Kenya shares the borders of Lake Victoria with Uganda and Tanzania, some customers opted to suspend their business to avoid interacting with people from the neighboring countries who might have no access to the screening of a COVID-19 infection. The distribution of WeWater has increased significantly. Heavy rainfalls during the last months, an increased outbreak of water borne diseases, such as cholera and the COVID-19 pandemic, presumably led to a higher awareness of the importance of safe and clean drinking water. Within the WePower vertical, the lock-down of the big Kenyan cities affected the rental of our lanterns. The lack of demand in Omena fish reduced the fishing activities on Lake Victoria significantly. The expansion of the solar business, such as the installation of further solar WeTu Satellite Hubs were completely stopped since March and are postponed for the upcomming months. The pandemic also caused some delays and necessary adjustments for our reuse and recycling project WeCollect. Instead of a big official opening, our e-waste collection points were launched with a “soft opening” under distancing measures to not draw big crowds on site. Another adaption needed to take place. Instead of starting the training of Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), visits for household sensitization and a survey on e-waste, more bulk messages and sensitization measures will be implemented via Social Media (FB).
Sorting face masks, sanitizers and other protective material before its distribution into the community.
Our engagement and measures regarding COVID-19
WeTu forms part of the stakeholder meetings of the Ministry of Public Health on the County level to coordinate COVID-19 related activities. To be able to continue our services, we introduced several measures for employees and clients, such as the installation of handwashing facilities and the equipment with soaps, sanitizers, and masks. We also developed and produced information material such as posters and flyers to inform and sensitize on hygienic behavior, “fake news” and rumors that were commonly spread about the virus. In cooperation with Community Health Volunteers, soaps are also distributed to households. Despite COVID-19, WeTu is working on expanding its provision of safe water and opened up a new WeWater facility at our WeTu Honge Hub during the pandemic.
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