The nationwide curfew has been extended for a further 60 days, despite low infection rates among Kenyans. – By Gerald Gekara.
President Uhuru was speaking at the Kenya International Conference Center where he presided over a COVID-19 evaluation conference.
Uhuru announced the lifting of containment measures, including the reduction of curfew hours which will now run from 11pm to 4am.
Restaurants and bars have been given the leeway to operate up until 10pm, and allowed to sell alcohol to revellers.
However, the President gave tough conditions stating that stict health ministry protocols must be obeying.
Uhuru also raised the maximum number of guests at funerals, and weddings from 100 to 200, with churches allowed to host a third of their sitting capacity.
On matters education, President Kenyatta pleaded caution with the Education Cabinet Secretary, saying the decision to reopen is solely on the safety of school going children.
He however directed CS Magoha to issue calendar for 2020 once they agree on how the schools will reopen.
President Uhuru took a swipe at his peers for engaging in rallies and gatherings that defied ministry of health guidelines.
“The political class is leading the charge in defying the laid down protocols. Hii ugonjwa ikiendelea kusambaza tujiangalie sisi wenyewe mbele ya tuanze kuangalia wananchi.”
So far, Kenya has reported a total of 700 deaths arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, out of a total of 38,168 cases of the virus.
