This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
Kenya has extended restaurant operating hours to 7:30pm, providing relief to owners and workers in the industry.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe made the announcement on Tuesday, citing ongoing discussions between restaurant owners and the National Emergency Response Committee (NERC) on COVID-19.
According to CS Kagwe, the extension is a result of the industry's continued compliance with government directives on combating the spread of the disease.
CS Kagwe directed Public Health officials to conduct regular inspections of restaurants, warning that any operator found flouting guidelines will have their licenses and certificates revoked.
"I recently informed you that there were ongoing consultations between restaurant owners and NERC on restaurant hours of business, appreciating that they have indeed been following the rules and observing the protocols," CS Kagwe said.
"Arising out of those discussions and reflecting on restaurant behavior, NERC has directed that the hours of business for restaurants will be extended to 7:30pm. This will allow the workers in restaurants, most of whom are actually being housed by the restaurant owners themselves within the hotels, enough time to beat the curfew hours," he added.
CS Kagwe also stated that restaurant workers will only be tested once before opening and not subjected to any other test after the 14-day period unless the establishment fails to follow protocol or if an employee shows symptoms of the virus.
Bars, however, remain closed, CS Kagwe maintained.
On June 16, 2020, CS Kagwe made the announcement during a press address.
