This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
On July 6, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the easing of restrictions on movement in three counties: Nairobi, Mandera, and Mombasa. According to the president, Kenya has reached a reasonable level of preparedness, prompting the decision to reopen.
The phased reopening will be closely monitored, with the cessation of movement into and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Mombasa county, and Mandera county set to lapse at 4 am on July 7.
However, the president extended the nationwide curfew, which currently runs from 9 pm to 4 am, for a further 30 days.
President Kenyatta emphasized that should the situation deteriorate and pose a challenge to the country's health infrastructure, the restrictions will be 'clawed back.' In the next 21 days, the government will study patterns of interactions and the spread of the disease.
Public service vehicles will operate in and out of the previously restricted areas, subject to mandatory certification from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Transport.
Local air travel is set to resume on July 15, 2020, with international air travel resuming on August 1, 2020, subject to adherence to all protocols and guidelines.
Places of worship will have phased re-opening for congregation worship, with a maximum of 100 participants allowed at each ceremony. Sunday school and Madrasa will remain suspended, and persons under the age of 13 or above 58 will not be allowed in places of worship.
The president directed the Ministry of Education to notify the public on the resumption of the 2020 academic calendar for basic education and tertiary institutions.
