This archive report was first published on 28 April 2020.
On April 28, 2020, the Kenyan Ministry of Health outlined the conditions under which restaurants can resume business after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Ministry, restaurants must follow COVID-19 protocols and undergo thorough inspections to obtain special permits that will allow them to operate under tight regulations.
Some of the measures include spacing seats and tables for social distancing, checking customers' temperatures, and having staff tested for coronavirus.
Acting Director in the Directorate of Public Health Dr. Francis Kuria emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, 'A detailed protocol on these guidelines will be posted on the Ministry of Health website. Restaurant management must read and understand these guidelines as the reopening is dedicated on full compliance.'
Restaurants will also be required to install handwashing facilities with cold and hot running water, sanitizers, and ensure a 1.5-meter distancing between customers.
Customers with temperatures above 37.5 degrees Celsius will be denied entry, and their information will be immediately reported to the Ministry of Health.
The restaurants can only operate between 5am and 4pm, and bars will not be allowed to open. However, restaurants licensed to operate may sell alcohol to customers as long as they follow laid-down regulations.
