This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
On July 6, 2020, Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the phased reopening of the country, marking a significant shift in the government's approach to Covid-19 restrictions.
The president declared that the cessation of movement into and out of Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera counties would lapse on July 7, 2020, at 4am. However, he extended the nationwide 9pm-4am curfew for an additional 30 days.
"We shall review interactions for 21 days and if they spike, we will lock down [the country]," Mr Kenyatta said, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.
Places of worship were allowed to reopen, but with strict safety protocols in place, including one-hour services and a maximum of 100 people at a time. Sunday Schools and Madrassas remained closed, and congregants under 13 years or over 58 years were discouraged from attending services.
The president urged Kenyans to continue adhering to Covid-19 safety measures, minimizing unnecessary movements and delaying upcountry travel to prevent the spread of the disease.
