Month: May 2020

The World is battling to contain the Corona Virus disease (COVID-19) which has been ravaging the global economies. The first case of COVID-19 in Kenya was confirmed on 13^th March 2020 and as of Monday, 18^th May 2020 the confirmed cases stood at 912.

The disease which is highly contagious has led to many countries taking drastic measures in order to curb its spread. In Kenya, the Government has introduced a raft of measures including banning of all passenger flights, temporary closure bars, suspension of learning in all education institutions, dusk to dawn curfew, cessation of movement in and out of some high-risk areas among others.

For targeted response and sound formulation of strategies and policies, accurate quality data is important. It is in recognition of this that the National Economic and Business Response Working Group tasked the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics to undertake a survey on Socio-Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Households.

The survey, which is population-based, will be implemented in 6 waves until July 2020. The objectives of the survey include measurement of the impact of COVID-19 on health, labour market, transport, and housing. The survey is also aimed at assessing the awareness of COVID-19 and the appropriate protective measures. The data collection for the first wave was undertaken from 2^nd   to 9^th  May 2020. The survey is being implemented using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) approach in which the interviews are conducted through telephone.

Survey Report on Socio Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Households

SPEECH BY (AMB.) UKUR YATANI, EGH, CABINET SECRETARY, THE NATIONAL TREASURY AND PLANNING, DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE REPORT OF THE SURVEY ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON HOUSEHOLDS

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread across the globe affecting the social life of citizens, creating shocks in the economies. In Kenya, the potential spread of the disease is likely to affect the well being of citizens, and an increase in the number of poor and vulnerable households is imminent.  This calls for a swift and coordinated policy approach by the Government in responding to the crisis to cushion Kenyans from the adverse effects of the pandemic. For the Government to respond appropriately, quality data on the effects of the pandemic is urgently needed.

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, a government agency responsible for collecting, analyzing and disseminating statistical data in Kenya, will conduct a survey on the socio – economic impact of Corona Virus (COVID-19) on households and individuals in the country.

The objectives of the survey will be to:

• Assess Kenyans’ awareness, knowledge, and practice on protective measures of COVID-19
• Evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on Household Health.
• Measure the impact of the COVID-19 on employment and earnings in the Kenyan labour market.
• Gauge the impact of the COVID-19 on food security.
• Estimate the impact of COVID-19 on transport cost.
• Assess the impact of the COVID-19 on housing, among other aspects

Since the Corona Virus is highly contagious, a face-to-face survey will not be feasible. The Bureau will conduct the survey through telephone calls, to get the required data.  KNBS interviewers will call respondents and administer a questionnaire through their mobile phones. The mobile phone numbers to be used by interviewers in the following ranges:

• 0110005665 – 6077
• 0110008518 – 8588
• 0110099477 – 9577

The Bureau will randomly sample a representative number of individuals spread across the 47 counties to participate in the survey. Data will be collected from the same individuals and households twice a month.

We hereby request all Kenyans selected in this survey to cooperate and provide accurate information as requested. The information given through this survey will be treated with strict confidentiality as provided for in the Statistics Act 2006.