The government on Wednesday banned the movement in and out of Eastleigh in Nairobi and Old Town in Mombasa after the two areas were identified as potential COVID-19 hotspots for posting double-figure cases two days on the trot
Speaking during a press conference at Afya House, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the cessation of movement in and out of the two areas will be effective Wednesday, 7 pm, and will run for 15 days.
The Cabinet Secretary also announced the closure of markets, restaurants, and eateries in the two areas coupled with the grounding of public transport in the two areas.
“There shall be cessation of movement in and out of Eastleigh area of Nairobi with effect from today May 6, 2020 at 7pm for the next 15 days. There shall be cessation of movement in the area known as Old Town in Mombasa with effect from today May 6, 2020 at 7pm for the next 15 days,” he said.
Kagwe however said that residents are free to move within the two areas stating that the measures are meant to protect the public from the virus in reference to negative popular opinion that the government is imposing some measures to ‘punish kenyans’.
The Cabinet Secretary also announced that the government will now be covering mandatory quarantine costs after questions on how the government was using funds raised from development partners and corporates.
He further stated that the cost of targeting testing and government quarantine facilities shall now be catered for by the government.
“I also want to urge institutions to be accountable for what they have received. We have observed that some unscrupulous individuals are selling Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) when delivered to their institutions,” he added.“I want to warn that such individuals will be arrested and face criminal charges because that is theft at a very bad time.”
