Uhuru announces new Covid-19 Lockdown measures

President Uhuru Kenyatta has pronounced fresh tough measures to control the spread of Covid-19 infections, after the 3rd wave cases spiked in five counties. In announcement from Statehouse Nairobi, the president banned travel in and out of five counties that are worst hit — Nairobi, Machakos, Kiambu, Kajiado and Nakuru.

This means that nobody will be allowed to move into and out of Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu and Nakuru counties beginning Friday midnight.

The president also revised ongoing curfew hours for the five counties to run from 8pm-4am while the rest of the country will continue observing the 10pm to 4am restriction.

The president has closed in person learning in schools and universities, with the exception of students undergoing examinations and suspended religious, political and sporting gatherings for the next 30 days.

“The Measures I took in March were to elapse in 60 days. Unfortunately however, I have been compelled by medical and empirical evidence to review the measures I took in 12th March 2021” Uhuru said from State house.

The President said Kenya is squarely in the grip of the third wave of the pandemic and that the death rate is devastating by all measures.

“The infection rate has jumped to about 19% from 2.6% at the start of the year and the third wave will likely peak in 30 days at about 3,000 cases daily”. Said the President.

The 3rd wave of covid-19 has jolted Kenyan leaders who just 2 weeks ago the leaders were running pro and anti BBI campaigns that attracted hundreds of thousands of Kenyans to crowded rallies.

The President’s new measures have elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans who have borne the economic brunt of lock downs and restrictions in business such as bars and restaurants.

“The ‘lockdown’ will do nothing to stop the virus. People in Nairobi will still leave their homes in the morning, mingle, and go home in the evening. The virus has long hit rural Kenya. Preventing travel will only hurt commerce.” said one Kenyan.