Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on Friday, December 18, 2020, announced that 356 people tested positive for Covid-19 taking the country's total tally to 93,761.
The CS announced that 11 patients succumbed to the virus, raising the number of Covid-19 deaths to 1,629.
"I wish to record my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their loved ones," Kagwe stated.
Kagwe who addressed the country from Kenol, Murang'a county urged members of the public to take the pandemic seriously, stating that the country is not yet out of the woods.
The CS urged Kenyans to take note of the high covid-19 casualties in other countries and adhere to the set guidelines as to avoid an escalation of the situation in the country.
"More importantly must not get into that space where we become so careless that the figures that are going out begin to read like those in Europe," Kagwe stated.
He revealed that 852 patients were admitted to various facilities across the country and others in home-based care. He added that 49 patients were in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and 37 others on separate supplementary oxygen support wards.
The CS urged members of the clergy and Kenyans to have the country in their prayers during this pandemic.
The health CS acknowledged the role played by healthcare workers in the country in the fight against the pandemic in spite of the danger posed by the virus.
"I appreciate the many healthcare workers who despite the call to stay at home are in the frontline to save the lives of Kenyans putting their own at risk," the CS stated, vowing to ensure the safety of the workers.
Kagwe also mourned Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama who passed away on December 18, reportedly, due to covid-19 complications.
"I send my condolences to the families and friends of his excellency the governor of Nyamira John Obiero Nyagarama, I also wish to condole the people of Nyamira and the council of governors for the loss," Kagwe eulogised.
"Nyagarama was a great political leader who will be missed by the people," he added, noting that the governor was a personal friend.
The health CS commended the late governor's efforts in combating Covid-19 in Nyamira county, further lauding his contribution towards the developments made in the country regarding health matters.
Kagwe was in the county to attend the official opening of the Santamo surgical specialised hospital in the county.
