For many, August 2021 was just another chapter in the pandemic. But for Jakowiti, it marked a life-altering struggle that tested his strength, faith, and resilience.
His story is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 and the importance of vigilance.
It was a chilly Wednesday evening, August 11, 2021. Exhausted after a long day at a manufacturing plant in Ruiru, Kiambu County, Jakowiti began coughing uncontrollably. Initially dismissing it as a minor irritation, his condition rapidly deteriorated. By the next morning, his fever and fatigue were undeniable.
“I visited our company nurse for medication,” Jakowiti recounts. “But by the evening, I could barely breathe. My joints ached, and my nose was completely congested. I knew something was seriously wrong.”
Over the next few days, Jakowiti sought medical help. He visited Dr. Sharma’s clinic, where tests for malaria and blood sugar turned negative. Still, his instincts urged him to test for COVID-19. On Saturday, August 14, his fears grew as his symptoms worsened.
“At Ruiru Private Hospital, the doctor suspected COVID-19 immediately and started me on advanced treatment. But I had no cash for their rapid test. I had to book the government’s free test, which meant waiting three agonizing days,” he says.
The wait was excruciating. Severe headaches, breathlessness, dizziness, and nausea consumed his days and nights. On Tuesday, August 17, the official test confirmed what he already knew: he was positive for SARS-CoV-2.
“I wasn’t surprised,” Jakowiti admits. “But hearing it officially still hit hard. The next 14 days were a battle I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
Isolated and fighting for his life, Jakowiti’s routine revolved around survival. With a prescribed regimen from the doctor, he endured sleepless nights and physical exhaustion. Yet, through faith, family, and the support of friends and colleagues, he made it through.
Today, he is COVID-free, but the memories linger. “Even now, I have occasional symptoms like a dry cough. But I’m alive, and I thank God for that.”
Jakowiti’s message to others is clear: take COVID-19 seriously. “The jab is crucial. Treatment is expensive, and the government’s figures don’t capture the true scale of this crisis. Lives are at stake. Protect yourself and your loved ones.”
As he reflects on his journey, Jakowiti remains deeply grateful. “To everyone who called, texted, prayed, and supported me—thank you. To my family, friends, employer, and above all, God, I owe my life to you. May God bless you all.”
