This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
On May 16th, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the nation for the sixth time on the COVID-19 pandemic, announcing drastic measures to curb its spread.
As of May 16th, 2020, the Kenya-Tanzania and Kenya-Somalia borders will be closed to all passenger traffic, including vehicles, effective midnight. However, cargo vehicles will be allowed to pass through, subject to mandatory COVID-19 testing of their drivers.
According to the President, a total of 43 COVID-19 cases had been imported from neighboring Somalia and Tanzania over the last week, with 14 cases reported in Wajir, 10 in Isebania, 16 in Namanga, 2 in Lungalunga, and 1 in Loitoktok.
Furthermore, 78 foreign truck drivers tested positive for COVID-19 and were denied entry into Kenya at different border crossings, averting a potential surge in infections.
The President emphasized that the numbers and spread of infection indicate that if no action is taken, all gains in combating the pandemic will be lost.
As of May 16th, 2020, Kenya had reported 830 COVID-19 cases with 50 fatalities.
