This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
On May 6, 2020, the Kenyan government declared a cessation of movement in Nairobi's Eastleigh and Mombasa's Old Town areas, in response to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases.
According to Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, the lockdown will be in effect for 15 days, starting from 7pm on the same day.
As of May 6, 2020, the total number of COVID-19 infections in the country had risen to 582, with 47 new cases reported in the past week.
Of the new cases, 32 were from Mombasa, 11 from Nairobi, 2 from Busia, and 1 each from Kiambu and Kwale counties.
CS Kagwe attributed the increase in cases to the ongoing mass testing across the country, which is expected to continue and potentially lead to further increases in infections.
Markets and eateries in the affected areas will remain closed, and public transport will be suspended during the lockdown period.
Additionally, the government has announced that individuals placed under quarantine will no longer be charged for their stay, with the government covering the costs.
