The government has banned movement in and out of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. – By Prudence Wanza
The new measures were declared by President Uhuru Kenyatta today saying Kenya was at war with the virus, hence the need for the new control measures to flatten the curve.
He said 82 per cent of the new infections originated from Nairobi and 14 per cent were from Kilifi, hence the need for the ban on movement in and out of the counties.
Uhuru directed that Sh.2billion frozen from corrupt individuals be given to vulnerable groups.
He said the economy has suffered greatly as a result of the virus, but said measures to combat the virus are necessary.
The move follows after a sharp rise in the COVID 19 cases in Kenya especially in the last two weeks.
President Uhuru Kenyatta through the ministry of health has announced that 82% of Kenya reported cases are in respect to contacts in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
14% of the reported cases have been in respect to residents of Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa hence having the government take measures to combat further spread.
For instance, movement in and out of Nairobi County has been banned for 21 days taking effect from today, 6th April from 7pm.
Movement in and out of Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties has also been banned for 21 days starting from 8th April, 2020.
This means no vehicles including passenger carrying vehicles will be allowed in the mentioned counties.
The President has however retaraited that the movement of food and cargo will continue as normal.
Kenya has 16 new cases and 4 recovered cases of COVID-19 bringing the total number cases to 158. However, 2 patients have succumbed to the disease thus bringing total number of deaths in Kenya to 6.
Kenyans have also been encouraged to continue wearing masks in public places and maintain social distance.
