This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced a phased re-opening of Kenya, lifting the cessation of movement order in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera counties, effective July 7, 2020, at 4:00 a.m.
Speaking at Harambee House on July 6, 2020, President Kenyatta stated that the decision to re-open the country was made after consulting with medical experts and stakeholders, who advised that the country had reached a reasonable level of preparedness to allow for re-opening.
However, President Kenyatta emphasized that the re-opening would be conditional, and that the government would 'claw back' if the situation deteriorated and posed a challenge to the country's health infrastructure.
He also emphasized the need for Kenyans to exercise shared responsibility and to adhere to the necessary health protocols, including wearing face masks, washing hands, and maintaining physical distance.
As part of the phased re-opening, President Kenyatta announced that places of worship would be allowed to re-open for congregational worship, but with strict adherence to guidelines and protocols, including a maximum of 100 participants per ceremony.
He also announced that Sunday schools and madrassas would remain suspended until further notice, and that in-person worship would not include congregants under the age of 13 or above the age of 58 or persons with underlying conditions.
Additionally, President Kenyatta announced that the Ministry of Education would notify the public on the resumption of the 2020 Academic Calendar for Basic Education and Tertiary Institutions.
He also emphasized the need for public transport providers to be compliant with all protocols developed by the Ministry of Health, and that public service vehicles would require mandatory certification from the Ministry of Health in consultation with the Ministry of Transport.
