The global pandemonium caused by coronavirus has sent virtually everything and every one into a spin.

From trade, politics, learning, entertainment, sports and other forms of social interaction, all are shutting down in a bid to keep the deadly respiratory infection at bay.

All countries, irrespective of socio-economic status, are in a state of panic and some paralysis.

Some of the affected activities, especially trade and business will have far-reaching impact on life as it was since the outbreak of the virus.

The chaos being witnessed at the stock market, which are tumbling at outrageous speeds, point to an impending global economic crisis—probably a crippling depression.

The confirmation by the government of three cases in Kenya has sent shockwaves across the country.

Though the authorities have rolled out stringent measures to tame the outbreak, the fears of a crippling lockdown are real.

And even as the government works on the health side of Covid-19, it must begin to address it as a multidimensional crisis that calls for a multi-faceted approach to cushion citizens and the leadership. 

For instance, experts are arguing that just as has happened elsewhere, there is need to plough the cash reserves into the economy to cushion the country from the social and economic jolt of the virus.

They have a point. In the US, the Federal Reserve signalled Sunday it will be slashing interest rates to zero, and buying hundreds of billions of dollars in bonds as part of a raft of measures to breathe life into an economy.

While Kenya might not have the financial muscle to make all the moves US is putting in place, the government should quickly assemble a team to assess the economic situation amid weak investor sentiment, closure of schools and travel bans on the country, businesses and individuals.

It could start talking to China, the epicentre of Covid-19 outbreak, over either rescheduling or a write-off of loans to ease the country’s debt repayment obligations.

The urgency must trickle down to all sectors of the economy. For the National Treasury, ensuring there is an economic safety net in place to shield the populace from the fangs of the virus is the bare minimum. 

Also urgent is food security. The government must stabilise the supply and demand to ensure both availability and affordability.