This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has extended the nationwide night curfew for 30 more days, but with a twist. In an address from State House, Nairobi, on June 6, 2020, the President announced that the curfew will now start from 9pm to 4am to enable businesses thrive for more hours.
The new order takes effect on June 7, 2020, and will remain in place until July 7, 2020. However, the cessation of movement in and out of Eastleigh, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale will end on June 7, 2020, at 4am.
President Kenyatta made the announcement after infection rates slowed down in the four counties, and following advice from experts and scientists.
"I have applied my mind to the different scenarios presented by our experts. And I have reconciled myself to the fact that to 'open' or not to 'open' up is not a dilemma between a right and a wrong. It is a dilemma between two rights," he said.
However, Nairobi Metropolitan will remain on lockdown with restricted movement in and out of Nairobi County, which continues to record high infection rates.
President Kenyatta also announced that schools in Kenya will re-open at the beginning of September 2020, after closing for five months due to COVID-19.
"Following stakeholder's consultations in the education sector – the Ministry of Education jointly with the Ministry of Health will issue and publicize guidelines on a gradual and progressive return to normalcy in the education sector by the Third Term, from 1st September, 2020," the President said.
