Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday announced that his government is choosing health over the economy when it comes to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The President Kenyatta while addressing the nation from State House, announced a number of measures towards reopening of the country.
Firstly, he said that the cessation of movement order that barred entry into and out of Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera counties shall lapse on Tuesday at 4 am.
“By reopening Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera, we must be aware that we will all be more at risk. We must exercise cautious optimism. Avoid reckless abandon, ” he said.
On matters concerning travel, the president said that the government will allow domestic flights to resume on Wednesday 15th July.
“We are going to be starting the domestic flights and this is what we will use as a trial in the next couple of days. We are opening the inter-county lockdown,” Uhuru said.
International travel will resume on 1st August in strict conformity with local and international civil aviation authorities.
He also said that places of worship will also commence phased reopening in strict conformity with all applicable guidelines. However, congregants under 13 or over 58 years will not be allowed. He also cautioned those with underlying health conditions against congregating to worship.
“Individuals can attend worship in strict conformity with all applicable guidelines and protocols. Only a maximum of 100 participants will be allowed at each worship ceremony,” he said.
The President extended the nationwide curfew currently in place between 9 pm and 4 am by another 30 days.
