This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
On May 11, 2020, the Kenyan government announced a significant reduction in the cost of COVID-19 testing for restaurant workers, from Sh4,000 to Sh1,000, a 75% decrease.
This move is seen as a step towards fully reopening the hospitality and tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala stated that restaurants will no longer be charged for inspection and compliance permits, paving the way for compliant establishments to reopen for business.
"The protocols laid out by the Ministry of Health are to be followed by every hotelier... It will take 24 hours to facilitate this compliance," said Mr Balala.
On the same day, the Ministry of Health reported 28 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number to 700, with 12 patients discharged from health facilities, bringing total recoveries to 251.
Kenya's porous borders were identified as a weak point in the fight against the virus, with nine of the new cases being truck drivers with a history of travel to Tanzania.
