President Uhuru Kenyatta has removed restrictions to and out of Nairobi, Mandera, and Mombasa counties with immediate effect – By Gerald Gekara.
In his presidential address at Harambee House in Nairobi, President Uhuru directed that the move will be able to revive the employment opportunities lost to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Uhuru also commissioned the phased reopening of churches. However, only 100 people will be allowed in places or worship at any given time.
Worship services will not last for more than one hour. This will be done in line with strict conformity with all the applicable guidelines and protocols.
Sunday school and Madrassa classes will remain closed, while the age of church goers will be restricted to 13 – 58 Years.
Uhuru also announced that the dusk to dawn curfew had been extended for a further 30 days, in a bid to tame social gatherings that have seen many, including leaders, getting caught for violating the curfew.
However, the President said the new measures will be rescinded if the health crisis occasioned by COVID-19 worsens.
He said the newfound freedom must be enjoyed responsibly because the danger still lurks.
He said civic responsibility must be enhanced by all Kenyans, as a duty to coexist.
“It is a voluntary act to your family, environment, and the community”, he said.
Local transport will also resume on July 15, while international travel resumes on August 1 in strict compliance with guidelines.
This is expected to revive the losses incurred from zero bookings, and visits from tourists.
Uhuru however urged Kenyans to delay unnecessary travels upcountry as a measure of protecting the elderly.
He said the crisis Kenya is in calls for responsibility and common sense, which can only be implemented by Kenyans themselves.
