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Irene Githinji and David Macharia

Nyandarua is among nine out of 47 counties with zero coronavirus infections, since the first case was reported in the country in March.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said yesterday statistics have shown that all the 600 samples taken from Nyandarua had tested negative for coronavirus.

Other counties that have so far not recorded positive cases include Lamu, Tharaka Nithi, Tana River, Baringo and Vihiga.

“We laud Nyandarua residents. I am pleased to note that Nyandarua is among counties that are yet to record a case of coronavirus.

I want to congratulate the people of Nyandarua for being coronavirus free to date. However, this does not mean that the people are immune to contracting the virus,” said Kagwe who spoke from Nyandarua.

Protect status

“I want to urge the county government and the people of Nyandarua to jealously protect this status that you have by adhering to containment measures given by the Ministry of Health,” he added.

He urged the residents to utilise the Nyumba Kumi governance structure to ensure that no strangers come to their villages because this is the main way the virus is transmitted.

“The virus does not move on its own, it is moved by people. If you see any strangers in your locality, report them to your Nyumba Kumi leader or to the local chiefs immediately.

If the people of Nyandarua want to maintain zero infection, that is the way to go,” said the CS.

He made the remarks as he emphasised the need for proper nutrition, critical for sustainable development of the country.

Malnutrition burden

Kagwe said the country is currently experiencing the triple burden of malnutrition, with co-existence of under-nutrition, over-nutrition as well as minerals and vitamins, a trend which he said might complicate the fight against Covid-19.

He said consumption of healthy diet is important in promoting physical, mental growth and development in addition to building, repairing of tissues and cells damaged by infections and injuries.

“It is important to consume nutritious and safe food during the current period of coronavirus pandemic in order to strengthen the body immune system to not only fight infections but also speed up recovery process from the disease,” he said.

Kagwe made the remarks even as he expressed concerns over increasing cases of malnutrition in both adults and children in the country.

 Giving his daily Covid-19 briefing  at the JM Memorial Hospital in Ol Kalou town, Kagwe said that a new report shows that one in every four children below five years had indications of stunted growth.

The country recorded 133 new Covid-19 cases yesterday raising total infections tally to 3,727.