This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
On June 6, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the nation, outlining new containment measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The directives have sparked a mix of reactions from Kenyans, with some welcoming the changes and others calling for further relaxation of restrictions.
According to the new measures, the night curfew has been extended to start at 9pm to 4am, and certain areas such as Eastleigh, Old Town in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale have been opened up. However, the restrictions in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera will remain in place for another 30 days.
Some residents, like Joyce Mutua and Mary Wangui, have welcomed the President's directives, citing the need to protect lives and prevent the spread of the virus. 'To be honest, the President was considerate because this is a matter concerning our own lives,' said Joyce Mutua, a mask seller near the National Archives on Moi Avenue.
Others, however, have expressed disappointment, calling for the lifting of the night curfew and the cessation of movement in Nairobi. 'I really wish he lifted the movement ban at least I get to see my wife and children who have been away for the last three months now,' said James Wafula, a Nairobi resident.
President Kenyatta acknowledged the dilemma of balancing economic needs with public health concerns, stating that the decision to reopen the economy would be based on a decline in COVID-19 infections. 'Those who want me to open are right and those opposed to opening are also right. This clash of two rights placed us on the horns of a dilemma,' he said.
He also presented projections of the potential consequences of relaxing containment measures, citing a model that suggests a 20% relaxation would lead to 200,000 infections and 30,000 deaths by December, while a 60% relaxation would lead to 450,000 infections and 45,000 deaths by October.
