•A total of 704 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.
Image: PSCU
There are nine new Covid-19 cases in Kenya, President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced.
This brings the number of cases to 234.
A total of 704 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.
In the same period, one more death was recorded, bringing the total number of deaths to 11.
Uhuru also said the number of people who have been discharged remains at 53.
The President on Thursday said,"Coronavirus is not a respecter of age or race... There are many who are taking this disease lightly. It is everyone's responsibility to take care to ensure this disease does not destroy us."
He spoke at State House, Nairobi.
Uhuru announced a raft of measures to deal with the pandemic including the establishment of a welfare fund for health workers in the front line fighting Covid-19.
He also said his government has released Sh5 billion to the counties to supplement efforts in cushioning citizens from infections.
The President said the money should be diverted to procuring personal protective gear like face masks for the citizens.
Uhuru said another Sh8 billion has been released under the cash transfer programme for the elderly.
"I have released an additional Sh500 million in arrears to persons with disabilities," he said.
Uhuru said, "We love and respect our elderly... our grandmother and grandfathers. They are so vulnerable to this disease, so it's important that each does the right thing by doing as our medical experts advise."
The President urged Kenyans to be vigilant so that Kenya does not reach the point where there are many deaths and people have to be buried in mass graves.
He made reference to countries such as New York which has resorted to using mass graves because of the high number of deaths.
The US has recorded more than 28,000 deaths and more than 600,000 Covid-19 cases..
Uhuru also urged manufacturers of PPEs to adhere to standards.
He lauded KU students for coming up with a ventilator prototype to help in the fight against Covid-19.
"Kenyans are showing they can invent and innovate... knowing our character is key to building our confidence to solve even more challenges that face our people," Uhuru said.
He said Kenyans are a people of compassion.
Uhuru said there should be no delays in disbursing funds to help Kenyans deal with the virus.
"In the counties, efforts should be coordinated by governors and county commissioners," he said.
He lauded governors for their efforts.
Uhuru thanked corporates for their generosity in contributing towards the Covid-19 fund.
Safaricom and KCB Group have contributed Sh200 million and Sh150 million to the fund.
Uhuru also applauded health workers for their tireless efforts.
He said Kenya is not out of the woods yet.
"I ask each and every one of you to join me to protect our country," Uhuru said.