This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread in Kenya, President Uhuru Kenyatta has taken drastic measures to protect himself and his staff at State House. According to State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena, the head of state has restricted his movement into the house on the hill since a number of his staff tested positive for the deadly virus.
Speaking to the press, Dena confirmed that movement in and out of State House has been restricted, with staff members working from home or from various government offices. The president is holding meetings virtually, as well as from his office at Harambee House.
"The four staff members who tested positive are still in hospital where they are recuperating from the virus," Dena added. "The president is safe and free from Covid-19, along with his immediate family."
State House has since revised its access rules and rolled out a raft of measures to ensure that the spread of the virus remains at a minimum. The executive wing of the house, which hosts key officers, has been placed under partial lockdown, and those already inside the residence are not allowed to leave.
As of June 15, 5,811 people had been infected with the virus, claiming 141 lives so far. The measures taken by State House are a testament to the president's commitment to protecting the health and safety of his staff and the nation at large.
