This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
On August 24, 2019, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua announced that all businesses in the county would remain closed on the eve of the national census.
As part of the preparations for the census, Dr. Mutua also ordered the closure of bars and entertainment joints from 6am on Saturday, August 24 until 6pm on Sunday, August 25.
Markets and shops were instructed to close by 5pm on Saturday, August 24 and reopen at 9am on Sunday, August 25.
Factories, construction sites, and other works were required to stop operations from midday on August 24 until 6am on Monday, August 26.
According to Dr. Mutua, the stoppages and closures were necessary to give workers and others enough time to travel to their homes for the census activity.
He further asked employers to give their employees time off to travel to their homes for the exercise.
Dr. Mutua emphasized the importance of the census in allocating funds and development funding, warning that any violation of the directive would be met with punitive measures, including cancellation of business permits and arrests.
