Abstract:
Evidence suggests that, during pandemics such as COVID-19, people with low
incomes within developing countries suffered disproportionately. Households
across countries differentially experienced the socio-economic impact of the
pandemic. In sub-Saharan Africa, the extended family and the community have
provided valuable support in crises, given that state-administered backing may not
be sufficient or may differ from the family’s expectations. Many studies have been
conducted on community safety nets, yet little description and understanding
of community safety nets has been provided. The components of the non-
formal safety nets are yet to be adequately defined or evaluated for effectiveness.
Traditional family and community safety nets have been under stress due to the
impact of COVID-19. Many countries, including Kenya, have associated COVID-
19 with an increased number of households facing social and economic crises.
Families and communities got fatigued due to the extended period and the further
strain the pandemic had on individuals and societies. Utilizing existing literature on
the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 in Kenya and the roles and perceptions
of community safety nets, this paper seeks to explain the roles and perceptions
of social relationships and kinship networks as safety nets in Africa, specifically in
the Kenyan context. This paper employs the concept of culture of relatedness
to understand the informal safety nets in Kenya better. During the COVID-19
pandemic, individuals strengthened the previously weakened kinship structures.
They addressed some of the challenges experienced within the networks through
the involvement of neighbors and friends embracing the culture of relatedness.
Therefore, government strategies for social support during pandemics need to
design programs to strengthen the community safety nets that remained resilient
throughout the health crisis.
