This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
On June 6, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the extension of the nationwide curfew by a further 30 days, citing concerns over public health.
During a live address to the nation from State House, Nairobi, the President revised the curfew hours from 7pm-5am to 9pm-4am, aiming to provide Kenyans with more working hours and flexibility to commute.
However, the cessation of movement orders will continue to apply in Mombasa and Mandera Counties, as well as the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, for another 30 days, following the recommendation of health experts.
President Kenyatta acknowledged the dilemma posed by the clash of opinions on reopening the economy, stating, 'We must accept that we are not dealing with a right or wrong opinion we are caught in between two rights. Those who want to open the economy are right and those opposed to opening the economy are also right.'
He further explained, 'This clash of two rights placed us on the horns of a dilemma. In the absence of scientific consensus among our experts, I asked for some scenarios. I wanted to know the best and worst-case scenarios in order to contain the disease without affecting the economy irreversibly.'
