Kenya 'expects lockdown-induced rise in births'

The authorities in Kenya are preparing for a surge in the number of births from the end of this year, according to the Standard newspaper, citing a report from the health ministry on the effects of coronavirus.

Data from across the country indicate about a 10% rise in antenatal clinics since March this year compared to the previous two years, the newspaper reports.

No explanation has been given for the surge, but a health expert is quoted as saying that health facilities focused on the pandemic and compromised on provision of contraceptives.

Kenya's government imposed a nationwide night-time curfew in March after confirming the first cases, and encouraged employers to allow people work from home.

Movement in and out the capital, Nairobi, and two other coastal counties was also temporarily restricted.

Kenya's population stands at 47.5m according to a 2019 census.