Evaluating Emergency Response Committee Actions inManagingCOVID-19 in Kilifi County, Kenya

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic remained a global health threat in 2023, with over 110 million new cases and 300,000 deaths reported. Kenya, like many countries, faced challenges in its response, hindered by underreporting, the lack of a comprehensive surveillance system and lack of inclusivity in the emergency responsecommittee. The research assesses the alignment of ERC operations with World Health Organization guidelines, highlighting that 94.56% of respondents affirmedthe ERC’s adherence to international frameworks. 88.12% of respondents affirmed the timeliness and effectiveness of presidential executive orders, emphasizingthe role of national policies in shaping pandemic response strategies. The study aimed to evaluate Kenya's pandemic management capacity, with a focus on Kilifi County, using a descriptive research design targeting government employees involved in COVID-19 management. The actions of ERC had a significant positive effect on managing the pandemic. The study rejected the null hypothesis, showing that these committee actions were crucial in the pandemic response. The study recommends the immediate formation of emergency committees when potential health crises arise. There is emphasizes the need for clear policies on government response and pandemic preparedness to effectively manage future health emergencies. This highlights the critical role of the ERC in guiding Kenya's COVID-19response efforts.