This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
On May 16, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the extension of the dusk-to-dawn curfew for a further 21 days, citing the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Kenya.
According to the President, the country's COVID-19 cases had reached 830, prompting the need for additional measures to contain the spread of the disease.
During a briefing at State House, the President also extended the period of the cessation of movement into and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area and the Counties of Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa, and Mandera until June 6, 2020.
Furthermore, the President announced the cessation of movement of persons and vehicles into and out of the territory of the Republic of Kenya through the Kenya-Tanzania international border, except for cargo vehicles, effective from Saturday midnight.
As part of the new measures, drivers of cargo vehicles will be subjected to mandatory COVID-19 disease testing, and only those who test negative will be granted entry into the country.
These measures come after a total of 43 positive cases crossed into Kenya from neighboring Somalia and Tanzania countries.
“These 43 cases represent almost a quarter of the 166 confirmed infections this week,” said the President.
“The Government will continue to take every measure to protect the lives of Kenyans from this pandemic and to plan for the recovery of our economy,” Uhuru added.
