Articulating the Pathways of the Socio-Economic Impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on the Kenyan Economy1

Abstract

This policy brief assesses the possible vulnerabilities and impacts on Kenya of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it is too early to predict the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Kenyan econ0my, this policy brief uses an adapted World Bank conceptual and methodological framework which was used to analyse the economic impact of the Ebola virus disease in West Africa 2014-2016 to identify the pathways of the CODIV-19 pandemic impact on the economy, poverty and inequality, women and girls, refugees, internal displaced persons (IDPs) and migrants, education, food security and nutrition and governance and security. There has already been adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the several sectors of the economy in particular; tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and trade putting people’s jobs and livelihoods at risk. The policy brief argues that considering the adverse socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and livelihoods of families and communities, in particular the most vulnerable groups which will regress progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), policymakers, should adopt a whole of government and society approach to lessen the adverse impacts.