Uhuru Puts Nairobi and 4 Other Counties Under Partial Lockdown

President Kenyatta has banned the movement of people into and out of Nairobi and four other counties to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Addressing the nation on Friday, Kenyatta said the cessation of travel into and out of Nairobi, Nakuru, Machakos, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties will take effect on Saturday until further notice.

The president said the decision was informed by a spike in COVID-19 infections in the five counties, which account for 70 percent of the country’s total caseload.
 
“…These counties are individually and collectively declared a disease-infected area. There shall be a cessation of all movement by road, rail, or air into and out of the disease-infected areas,” said Uhuru.

Kenyatta further suspended bar operations and the sale of alcohol in restaurants in the five counties until further notice. Restaurants in the five areas shall only offer takeaway services.

He also announced that curfew hours in the five regions shall start at 8 pm and end at 4 am beginning Saturday.

“In light of the abuse of curfew passes and exemptions and its role in the steep increase in infections, The Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of National Government jointly with the Ministry of Health are directed to immediately review the protocols for re-issuance of curfew passes and exemptions. In that regard, in the intervening period all passes issued are hereby vacated,” Uhuru directed.

Uhuru also suspended all public gatherings and in-person meetings within the counties of Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu, and Nakuru until further notice.