Defeating the COVID-19 pandemic through united action

The Government has tested 4,277 persons for COVID-19, and the total number of positive cases as at April 6 stands at 158 in Kenya. A majority of the persons who have contracted the disease are residents of the Nairobi metropolitan area and the coastal strip.

The President called for unity amongst Kenyans in defeating this common enemy by ensuring that our personal conduct does not endanger others. Accordingly, the following directives have been issued.

Production and use of face masks

Following the instructions from the Ministry of Health to wear face masks in public places, the President has directed that the National Government Administration Officers should provide tailors with guidance on the proper assembly of face masks.

Intercounty movement restrictions

To contain and limit the spread of the disease to other parts of the country, there shall be no movement by road, rail or air for an initial period of 21 days in and out of:

a. the Nairobi Metropolitan Area (from Monday, 6 April)

This includes:

• the Nairobi City County;
• part of Kiambu County up to Chania River Bridge (Thika), including Rironi, Ndenderu, Kiambu Town;
• part of Machakos County up to Athi River, including Katani;
• part of Kajiado County including Kitengela, Kiserian, Ongata Rongai and Ngong Town;
• and all other areas as set out in the Order.

b. the Counties of Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa (from Wednesday, 8 April)

Movement within the counties is permissible within the time of 5am - 7pm.

What remains to be seen is how this will affect the use of the ferry in Mombasa, since it may be difficult to track which ferry users reside in Likoni which is within Mombasa County, and which users reside in Kwale County.

Restrictions on the movement of cargo

Whilst the movement of food supplies and other cargo will continue as normal during the declared containment period through road, railway and air, any cargo-carrying vehicle or vessel shall be charged to a designated single driver and assistants under the written authority of the owner of the vehicle or vessel.

Additional funds to support the most vulnerable in society

The President directed the National Treasury to utilize an additional KES 2 billion of already recovered corruption proceeds to support the most vulnerable members of our society, especially the needy in urban areas.

KES 10 billion will be distributed to the elderly, orphans and other vulnerable members of our society through cash-transfers by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to cushion them from the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Domestic and international travel budgets to be reallocated to COVID-19 fight

The President directed the National Treasury to appropriate all domestic and international travel budgets for all State agencies within the Executive, the Judiciary, the Legislature and the County Governments, and re-allocate them to combating COVID-19.

Please see the full text of the press statement here.