This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
Kenya is set to ease COVID-19 restrictions, paving the way for the resumption of sporting activities. President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the phased re-opening of the country on June 6, allowing counties to meet 'irreducible minimums' in COVID-19 preparedness.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, Uhuru emphasized the need for counties to meet the minimum requirements, citing significant progress in levels of preparedness to tackle COVID-19 patients.
However, the President warned Kenyans of the risk they now face without previously imposed government restrictions, asking for careful optimism.
"By reopening, we must be cognisant of the fact that we are much more at risk when the restrictions were in place. We must exercise cautious optimism. We have not yet met the irreducible minimums 100 per cent. However, we have reached a reasonable level of preparedness across our counties," President Uhuru said.
The President also revealed that the government will review interactions among people during this period, and made it clear that should the number of COVID-19 cases spike, the country would be forced to revert to lockdown.
"We shall review interactions for 21 days and if they spike, we will lock down," he said.
Uhuru's announcement comes hours after the country recorded the highest number of coronavirus cases - 389.
On April 6, Uhuru announced the cessation of movement in and out of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi counties, citing the need to contain and limit the spread of the disease to other parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed has appointed an Advisory Committee to draw up protocols required for the resumption of sporting activities in the country.
The committee, which will be headed by the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry, Hon. Hassan Noor Hassan, is expected to engage all key stakeholders and collect their views on ideal protocols to be put in place before resumption of sports activities.
A report from the team is expected to be presented to the Cabinet Secretary by July 10, 2020.
