Research Data KE Working Group

The Research Data KE Working Group continues to collates news and public discourse that are of interest to thinking about the COVID19 epidemic in/from/about Kenya. We are particularly interested in archiving and tracking how media and other public channels are discussing the pandemic in order to identify relevant research resources and translate our individual experiences and data into collective knowledge that can support communities. We plan to use this information to better identify and collate existing qualitative/ethnographic research resources across diverse thematic areas relevant to thinking about and working on the COVID 19 global pandemic. We are collaborating on this project with the Transnational STS COVID-19 Project.

These posters were posted on the entry door of a butchery in rural Kenya (Nyeri). The top sign refers to anyone with COVID-19 as a 'suspect' who is unwelcome in the butchery. The bottom sign provides directions in graphical form for how to wash one's hands, just above a container with fresh water. It is set outside for customers to wash their hands before they enter the butchery. The hostility and caution reflected in the two signs reflect the multiple, sometimes contrasting views held towards the coronavirus pandemic. The signs indicate an acceptance and recognition of the pandemic's spread and reach, as well as a stigmatisation of those infected with the virus.

AO: This image (by Reuters) was captioned with the following: "The owners of some private schools have turned to alternative sources of income such as raising chickens." Schools were shut in March 2020 as part of lockdown measures in Kenya. There has been a see-saw between opening or not opening public schools in 2020. Due to the closures, many private schools have struggled to survive without an income from pupil fees, which has led them to try to find alternative sources of income (e.g. chicken rearing).

Aurelia: The image represents a common scenario that has been happening in Kenya and I guess the rest of the world; COVID 19 vaccination. The dominant conversation has been about sensitising reluctant Kenyan including health workers to get vaccinated. Suspicion about the quality, type and agenda of  vacination in Kenya is not new. There have been previous debates about HPV vaccines for young girls; under five vaccinations. 

I am currently interested in understanding where the vaccination suspicion emerges from, how this fear is spread and sustained. 

This photo was taken of Panel 1 on "Promoting and supporting student interests in research and archiving" at the November 12, 2019 event on "Archiving Kenya’s Past and Futures."

Panel participants included Dr. Leah Komen, Daystar University; Joyce Wangari, Eider Africa; Dr. Osogo Ambani, Strathmore University Press; and Njuki Githethwa, Ukombozi Library.

This is a photo from Panel 3 on "Data Localisation and Governance" at the November 12, 2019 event on "Archiving Kenya’s Past and Futures."

Panel participants included Phares Kariuki, Node Africa; Micah Rachuonyo, Kenya Bureau of Standards; Grace Bomu, Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT) - Strathmore University; Richard Nzuki Nzioki, International Development Research Centre (IDRC); and Muchiri Nyaggah, Local Development Research Institute (LDRI).