President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday announced the extension of the nationwide dusk to dawn curfew by another 21 days to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The President also banned movement in and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa and Mandera counties until June 6 after the regions were designated as COVID-19 hotspots following the outbreak of the pandemic.
Uhuru who spoke during a live address to the nation from State House, Nairobi also imposed a ban on movement into and out of Kenya through Tanzania and Somali borders. The ban does not apply to the transportation of cargo.
According to the Head of State, the ban was necessitated by a sudden spike in cases in border points where numerous cases were reported including Wajir (14), Isebania (10), Namanga (16), Lungalunga (2), Loitoktok (1).
“In the last week we have unfortunately witnessed an increased number of imported cases among individuals crossing into our countries through our borders; these areas have become a matter of grave concern to us,” said President Kenyatta.
Consequently, truck drivers will only be allowed into the country after testing negative for the virus.
The president admitted to the existence of sustained pressure to ease the measures put in place but stressed the government will act in the best interests of the country.
“When countries like Singapore eased their restrictions, this disease hit them hard,” noted President Kenyatta.
President Kenyatta also appealed to Kenyans to heed to the measures put in place to stem the virus saying that if need be more stringent measures will be put in place.
“Do your part in curbing the spread of this virus, we do not want to lock down the country,” added the president.
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