This report presents an in-depth analysis of COVID-19 trends in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, using data from Our World in Data (OWID). The study examines infection rates, vaccination uptake, and mortality trends to understand how each country managed the pandemic.
The analysis leveraged Python libraries to process and visualize the data:
- Pandas for data manipulation.
- Matplotlib for static trend visualizations.
- Plotly Express for interactive visualizations, particularly in worldwide case comparisons.
- Kenya recorded the highest total cases (~350,000), likely due to wider transmission, increased testing, or improved reporting.
- Uganda followed (~150,000 cases), suggesting moderate transmission and intervention effectiveness.
- Tanzania reported the lowest cases (~50,000), possibly due to limited testing or different reporting approaches.
- Case numbers continued rising, showing ongoing waves influenced by variants, containment policies, and population behavior.
- Kenya reported the highest deaths (~5,000), potentially due to overwhelmed healthcare facilities and sustained outbreaks.
- Uganda recorded over 3,000 deaths, indicating effective containment but significant losses.
- Tanzania’s deaths remained below 1,000, possibly reflecting alternative reporting methods or different intervention strategies.
- Kenya experienced multiple waves, with peaks reaching around 5,000 daily cases.
- Uganda saw the highest single-day peak (~20,000 cases), possibly due to rapid spread or delayed reporting.
- Tanzania’s case numbers remained relatively flat, with one major spike indicating either an outbreak or updated reporting.
- Kenya had the lowest vaccination rate, with 73.2% of its population unvaccinated, highlighting accessibility and hesitancy challenges.
- Uganda showed moderate vaccine uptake (42.4% vaccinated).
- Tanzania led in vaccination, with 52.6% of its population immunized, possibly due to strong public health initiatives.
- By mid-2023, Tanzania surpassed Kenya and Uganda in cumulative vaccinations, suggesting late-stage efforts to improve coverage.
The report highlights significant disparities in COVID-19 case numbers, vaccination rates, and response strategies across East Africa. Findings emphasize the urgent need for proactive health measures, improved data transparency, and stronger pandemic preparedness. Moving forward, governments should strengthen healthcare infrastructure, promote vaccination, and refine crisis response strategies to ensure resilience in future health emergencies.