Kenyans are in a jubilant mood after President Uhuru Kenyatta opened up the country and moved curfew hours from 8pm to 10pm – beginning midnight, Saturday, May 1 2021.
Uhuru made a wide range of changes on the Covid-19 containment measures during his Presidential address made on April 30, 2021.
The president amended the curfew hours – moving it from 8pm to 10pm. This means that Kenyans will have an extra two hours to conduct their businesses before retiring home when the clock hits 10pm.
Uhuru also lifted the cessation of movement order announced on March 26, 2021, which limited movement into and out of the counties of Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos and Nakuru as a block.
The president made the announcement during his speech on Labour Day celebrations at State House, Nairobi. Uhuru said that the curfew within the zone will revert to 10pm to 4am. This means that Kenyans can now move freely from one county to another – but will still have to adhere to other Covid-19 containment measures like social distancing, wearing of masks and washing of hands.
Activities at various places will now go on – but the institutions will have to operate at a third capacity. The announcement could not have come at a better time for worshippers who say they have suffered serious losses due to the pandemic not to mention spiritual derailment.
The hospitality sector like eateries will also reopen from midnight – but still under very strict guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health. The president allowed eateries to operate until 7pm.
He, however, urged employers to let staff work from home as far as is possible as it would help minimize spread of Covid-19.
Bar operators also left with a smile as they too have been allowed to operate just like restaurants and other eateries – until 7pm.
Schools will be expected to open on May 10, 2021 as had been planned.
“If we fail to play our individual role, like it or hate it, it is my responsibility to protect life, I will do what I can to prevent what is happening in other countries,” warned Uhuru.