This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
On May 7, 2020, the Kenyan government implemented a 15-day partial lockdown in Nairobi's Eastleigh and Mombasa's Old Town areas in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
The directive by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe resulted in the closure of markets, eateries, and public transport in the affected areas.
Residents of Eastleigh expressed concerns that the lockdown would severely impact their businesses and, consequently, their families' livelihoods.
Security personnel were deployed to man entry and exit points in both areas, with a heavy presence observed in Old Town.
Old Town, a popular tourist destination, had recorded 57 positive COVID-19 cases by Wednesday, May 6, 2020, making it the hotspot in Mombasa County, which had a total of 202 infections.
The lockdown led to the closure of Mackinnon Market and several other shops and malls in Old Town.
Traders at Mackinnon Market pleaded with security personnel to allow them to remove their perishable goods, but their requests were denied.
"Some of us don't live in Old Town, but we have stalls in the market, and it's only fair to be allowed to conduct our business, which is the only source of income," said Mohamed Salim, a trader.
The affected areas include Mji wa Kale, Mlango wa Papa, Kuze, Makadara, Kibokoni, and Baghani.
Residents are allowed to move within their designated boundaries, and the government plans to conduct more mass testing in the two areas.
