Coronavirus: Kenya Lifts Travel Restrictions

Kenya undergoes a phased reopening amid the rising numbers of coronavirus cases in the country. Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta lifted border restrictions in and out of Mombasa, Mandera, and Nairobi counties. Worship places are reopened with strict measures to help curb the spread of the virus. However, the 2100 and 0400 state curfew continues for the next 30 days.

Development of Coronavirus in Kenya.

The country has been on strict measures since the first case of Covid-19 was tested. These measures included a curfew, wearing masks, and shutdown of significant industries. These industries include the transport industry, which contributed hugely to the country’s economy. The lockdown of these industries resulted in the loss of jobs for millions of residents all over the country. The government was strict about the

Months later, the government imposed the intercounty lockdown all over the country. However, weeks later, Mombasa, Mandera, and Nairobi were the leading counties with the highest number of positive cases. The President lifted the ban of other counties, leaving the three most top counties to continue the lockdown. Worship centers were also shut down; people were forced to do online worship and pray from home.

Schools were shut down, and children were forced to learn from home. However, online learning does not work for all students. Most students cannot access the internet, and it was costly for them too. Homesteads in rural areas have no access to electricity or learning equipment like laptops. The home environment is not favorable to learning for most students, especially in rural areas.

Easing Country’s Restrictions.

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the eager nation Monday afternoon after a long wait. The number of Corona cases raising, it brought to a total of 8,067 confirmed cases. Despite the rapid spread of the virus, citizens were more than happy for the partial reopening of the country. Travel restrictions in and out of the Mandera, Mombasa, and Nairobi were lifted. Residents can now travel all over the country as they take measures to protect themselves.

Worship places will be reopened under strict rules and a maximum of 100 participants per service. Services are not to last for more than an hour. Children under 13 and adults over 58 years are prohibited from attending church. People with underlying health conditions are also prohibited from attending church. Weddings and funerals regulations remain in place for the next 30 days.

His excellency also confirmed the resumption of local flights from 15 July. International flights may resume from the first week of August. However, strict Covid -19 protocols are expected to be followed. The 2100 to 0400 curfew is, however, extended further for 30 days. Bars continue to be shut as chances of the virus spreading rapidly in these platforms is very high. Eateries resume work but under strict rules to follow the directives issues and to offer take away only. Citizens wait for the ministry of education to issue guidelines on opening schools.

In case the country’s infection rate got worse, the President would revert the lockdown. The country is currently recording 160 deaths since the pandemic began. The country continues to increase testing centers and encouraging the public to take up self-responsibility to protect themselves.