This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
NAIROBI, Kenya - June 6, 2020. President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to make a crucial announcement on Saturday regarding the COVID-19 restrictions, including the night curfew, which has been in place for two months. The President's statement comes as Kenya has been implementing a dusk-to-dawn curfew to contain the spread of COVID-19, which had infected 2,474 people by June 5.
Associations of traders in various sectors have been calling for the re-opening of the measures to help kickstart the economy, which has slowed since March when the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in the country. On Friday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi and Health counterpart Mutahi Kagwe held a meeting with religious leaders who presented proposals for the re-opening of places of worship.
According to Matiangi, the final decision lies with President Kenyatta, who will present the report to the National Security Council. Kagwe emphasized the need for collective support to defeat the pandemic, as the war on COVID-19 enters a crucial phase. Asymptomatic patients will be discharged to continue treatment from home, as hospitals are getting overwhelmed.
Bishop David Oginde of Christ is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) urged all stakeholders to work together to contain the menace. The Ministry of Health has been rallying Kenyans to exercise self-restraint, signaling a likelihood of the government easing the tough measures.
