This archive report was first published on 1 May 2021.
Kenya has taken a significant step towards easing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with President Uhuru Kenyatta announcing the lifting of restrictions on movement in and out of five counties.
On Labour Day, the President announced that the cessation of movement into and out of Machakos, Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu, and Nakuru counties would end at midnight on Saturday, May 1, 2021.
As part of the easing of restrictions, the President also announced that the curfew hours would start at 10pm and end at 4am countrywide, effective from midnight on May 1.
Other measures that have been eased include the reopening of all education institutions, as per the Education Ministry calendar, and the resumption of in-person and congregational worship, with a capacity limit of one-third of the place of worship.
Restaurants and eateries will also reopen, with strict adherence to Covid protocols issued by the Health Ministry, while bars will be allowed to operate until 7pm.
Additionally, the President encouraged employers and enterprises to allow employees to work from home, with the exception of those working in critical or essential services that cannot be delivered remotely.
The easing of restrictions comes as Kenya continues to navigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Here are the key restrictions that have been eased:
- The cessation of movement into and out of the five counties has been lifted.
- The curfew hours have been revised to start at 10pm and end at 4am, effective from May 1.
- In-person and congregational worship can resume, with a capacity limit of one-third of the place of worship.
- Restaurants and eateries can reopen, with strict adherence to Covid protocols.
- Bars can operate until 7pm.
- Education institutions can reopen, as per the Education Ministry calendar.
- Employers and enterprises are encouraged to allow employees to work from home, with exceptions for critical or essential services.
