An Upsurge in Technology use as Corona fear rises in Kenya
The government of Kenya announced the first corona outbreak in the country on March 13th, 2020. https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Kenya-confirms-first-coronavirus-case/1056-5489268-28tqll/index.html It was a 27-year-old lady who traveled from the US via London. Two days later, the cabinet secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced two more cases. They were passengers that sat next to the first case on transit from the US. https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2020/03/kenya-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-3/
By 17th, there were four confirmed cases in the country. https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Kenya-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-four/1056-5494400-16rhfez/index.html AS of yesterday March 18th the government announced three more cases, raising the number to 7. Besides, 11 more continue to be monitored awaiting test results.
As a move to curb the spread, the government ordered schools to be closed and encouraged companies to let employees work from home. With the closure, technology use should be implemented to prevent stagnation. Below are ways
E-Learning for students
The move to close schools raised another issue in itself. Leaning is an essential aspect for children to grow. Suspending them from going to school raised a fear that it hiders learning. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
However, the government and learning institutions have provided an alternative for learning. Ensuring that students keep themselves busy during the period they are at home.
For example, Kenyatta university shifts to e-learning upon schools closure aouncement. https://www.nation.co.ke/news/education/MKU-stops-classes-over-coronavirus/2643604-5493036-n6kc89/index.html The move is aimed to ensure that students complete their studies as scheduled. The acting vice-chancellor announced that the institutions’ online learning platform had been extended to regular students.
The government also initiates television and radio for students from grade three to form four. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001364650/lessons-go-digital-as-schools-break There is a program ensuring that each subject is covered. Lessons air for twenty minutes with breaks in between.
On the other hand, The Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) allowed their books to be uploaded online. This way, students can access them online via laptops or mobile phones.
E-Commerce Blossoms.
With the fear of the virus spreading in Kenya, the E-commerce sector is experiencing tremendous benefits. There are online platforms that allow people to shop for goods online and have them delivered to their premises.
Hence, as a precaution, some Kenyans opt to use such platforms for their shopping needs. It helps as Kenyans have the option not to leave their houses.
Home Entertainment.
Residents in Mombasa are restricted to entertaining themselves at home. This is after the governor, Hassan Joho, issued a directive a day after Kenya confirmed its first case that nightclubs to be closed for 30 days.
Therefore, home entertainment options, such as watching movies, are options citizens have to consider. Good news, 4G network coverage allows for a first online streaming experience.
Working from Home.
The government and several companies have urged their employees to work from home if possible. A voiding public gatherings such as clubs .
Some churches and mosques have advised their members to worship from home. Online streaming of teachings and lessons is available for children.
Take home.
With such drastic changes, technology use has gone up, which means that people should adapt to the changes and embrace the few alterations. Regardless of the wish that everyone has access to such, the move in itself indicates growth in technology use in Kenya.