This archive report was first published on 13 June 2020.
Published on June 13, 2020
Kenya's restaurant and bar owners are seeking an extension of operating hours to boost revenue, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Alice Opee, the national chair of the Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurant Association of Kenya, the current operating hours from 5am to 4pm are unsustainable due to the reduced customer traffic.
Ms Opee appealed to the government to extend the operating hours to 8pm, citing that customers tend to visit their premises after work.
She noted that the government had extended the curfew hours from 9pm to 4am, yet hotels and restaurants are required to close early.
Ms Opee stated that the sector is prepared to work until 8pm, with arrangements in place for staff accommodation and transportation.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe had allowed restaurants to reopen between 5am and 4pm, subject to certain guidelines, including social distancing measures and temperature checks for customers.
