This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
Residents of Eastleigh and Old Town in Nairobi and Mombasa respectively have welcomed the lifting of the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19. The restrictions, which were in place for a month, were lifted on June 6, 2020, allowing residents to move freely in and out of the areas.
Old Town, an ancient town built over 1,000 years ago, was particularly affected by the lockdown, with residents forced to stay indoors for a month. The area was placed under special restrictions on May 6, 2020, forcing residents into a small territory and closing businesses, restaurants, and mosques.
Despite the end of restrictions on Old Town, the State has maintained a blockade of Mombasa due to soaring viral infections. The county authorities had indicated that testing continued in the area during the restrictions, but there was no statistics to show how many people complied.
Residents of Old Town have expressed relief at the lifting of the lockdown, but some have also raised concerns over the continued cessation of movement in Mombasa County. They argue that the lockdown has affected their businesses and livelihoods, and that they need to be allowed to move freely to recover.
Traders in Eastleigh, Nairobi, have also welcomed the lifting of the lockdown, but have expressed concerns over the continued cessation of movement in Mombasa County. They argue that the lockdown has affected their businesses and livelihoods, and that they need to be allowed to move freely to recover.
As the residents of Eastleigh and Old Town breathe a sigh of relief, they are also calling on the government to lift the cessation of movement in Mombasa County. They argue that this will allow them to recover from the losses they have incurred during the lockdown and to move freely once again.
