By Charles Wasonga
Nairobi County Chief Executive Kang’ethe Thuku called on visitors to Uhuru Gardens to wear face masks, warning that those refusing would be barred from entering the park. The directive followed a health ministry alert about rising COVID-19 transmission rates.
Thuku stated, "We urge Kenyans planning to visit Uhuru Gardens to wear masks to ensure their safety." The mandate aligns with a national policy requiring face coverings in public spaces, implemented March 11, 2022, after infection rates dipped below 1%.
As of May 31, 2022, Kenya's positivity rate stood at 4.4%, up from 5.5% on May 28. The government warned of potential surges amid relaxed restrictions. Over 30,000 people were expected to attend the Madaraka Day celebrations at the park, marking the first such event since March 13, 2020, when the pandemic began.
Visitors were advised to arrive by 10:30 a.m. to avoid crowds. The national government emphasized that all 47 counties would hold Madaraka Day ceremonies, with President Kenyatta's address broadcast nationwide.
