Uhuru Extends Nationwide Curfew, Closure of Bars by 30 Days

President Kenyatta has extended the seven-hour nationwide curfew in a bid to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Addressing the nation from State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, Uhuru said the 9 pm to 4 am curfew will remain in effect for a further 30 days.

“The nationwide curfew that is currently in force between the hours of 9 pm and 4 am daily is hereby extended by a further 30 days,” he stated.

He also extended the closure of bars and nightclubs for 30 more days but directed the Ministry of Health to formulate protocols for their reopening within the same period.

Further to this, the closing time for hotels and restaurants has been pushed by one hour from the 7 pm to 8 pm effective Thursday.

“The closure of bars and nightclubs is continued for a further 30 days. However, the prohibition against the sale of alcohol by licensed hotels with residence is vacated,” said Uhuru.

He added: “In the next 30 days, bar owners, in consultation with the Ministry of Health will develop self-regulating mechanisms as part of their civic responsibility to their clientele, in order to allow their resumption.”

Uhuru further directed the Health Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Heritage to come up with guidelines on the gradual resumption of sporting events in the country.

The number of people allowed in funerals and other social gatherings has also been increased from 15 to 100 following consultations with the Inter-Faith Council, Uhuru said.

Finally, Uhuru directed the establishment of a National Consultative Conference to review the country’s national and county Covid-19 response and together with all stakeholders, chart Kenya’s post-Covid-19 future.