18 more succumb to Covid-19 as Kenya caseload crosses 28,000

Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi. File | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • So far 369,091 Covid-19 tests have been taken across the country.

The Ministry of Health has announced that 18 more patients have died of the new coronavirus in the past 24 hours, increasing the overall death toll to 456.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi confirmed 679 new cases of Covid-19 infection, raising the total number of infections to 28,104.

Nairobi, the national hotbed of the virus, recorded 349 new cases.

The capital was followed closely by its neighbours Kiambu (69), Kajiado (35), Machakos (25) and Nyeri (23). Garissa, Mombasa, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Nyandarua and Tharaka Nithi recorded more than 10 cases each.

Migori, Kisumu, Nandi, Busia, Meru, Muranga, Kirinyaga, Makueni and Isiolo had fewer than 10 and Kakamega, Baringo, Samburu, Siaya, Bomet,Taita Taveta and Nyamira had one each.

Dr Mwangangi said 743 more patients recovered from Covid-19 taking the recoveries tally to 14, 610.

She added that so far 369,091 Covid-19 tests have been taken across the country.

At the same time, the health ministry announced it has formed a special committee to distribute Covid-19 donations.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, through Dr Mwangangi, Wednesday asked the committee to draw a formula for delivering the medical supplies to hospitals and counties.

The team is also expected to check the quality and ensure that Kenya is not used as a place to “dump donations”.