On 15 March 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta held a press conference and made the following directives to the country following the news that three Kenyans were infected with COVID-19 (the “Directive”):

1. Travel by persons from countries reported with COVID-19 into Kenya is suspended;
2. Kenyan citizens and foreigners with valid residence permits will be allowed into Kenya provided they either self-quarantine or retreat to a government designated quarantine facility;
3. All persons who have come into Kenya in the last 14 days must self-quarantine, and retreat to a government designated quarantine facility for testing if they present any of the COVID-19 symptoms;
4. Learning in all education institutions is suspended effective Monday, 16 March 2020, save for boarding schools who have until Wednesday, 18 March, and universities and other tertiary institutions who have until Friday, 20 March 2020 to close.
5. Government offices, businesses and companies are encouraged to allow employees to work from home with the exception of employees working in critical or essential services;
6. Mobile operators and banks are encouraged to take into consideration the unique situation to transfer to a cashless system and reduce the cost of transactions during this period; 
7. Congregating in crowded places (such as places of worship, social gatherings, and in public transport) is discouraged ; and
8. Hospitals and shopping malls are encouraged to provide soap, sanitizer and water, and ensure that they regularly clean and disinfect the premises.

Actions taken by local authorities in response to the Directive

In compliance with the Directive:

• The Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning has closed all land offices and registries throughout Kenya for 28 days effective from Tuesday, 17 March 2020, which will also affect services at the Survey of Kenya Headquarters in Nairobi. Click here to read more;
• The Business Registration Service has suspended its services provided at Sheria House and the Companies Registry with effect from Monday, 16 March 2020. Whilst no timeline for the closure has been provided, the team is working to ensure some if not all the services will be accessible online. Click here to read more;
• The Central Bank of Kenya has announced that it will facilitate the increased use of mobile money transactions instead of cash, which will apply effective Monday 16 March 2020 and remain in place until June 30 2020. Click here to read more;
• The Judiciary announced that the public will not attend court effective Monday, 16 March 2020 (save for urgent matters). The courts will only hear urgent matters once a week, on Thursday, effective 19 March 2020 and each court will only use skeleton staff. The courts have scheduled other matters for a mention from 20 April 2020 subject to further direction. Click here to read more; and
• The Directorate of Immigration Services has indicated that it shall only provide very urgent Foreign National Services Management and it shall minimize any interaction with the public. This means effective Monday, 16 March 2020 one cannot process alien registration, endorsement of passports, extension of visas and do general follow ups. Click here to read more.

What this means for you

• You cannot proceed with stamping and registration formalities in respect of any real estate matter;
• You cannot proceed with stamping and registration formalities in respect of any commercial transaction;
• You cannot attend court, and where your matter is not urgent, the earliest you can attend court for a mention is 20 April 2020 (which is subject to further direction);
• You cannot process alien registration, endorsement of passports, extension of visas or do general follow ups at the immigration department;

Whilst the above may seem drastic, we do believe the government is doing its best to contain the COVID-19 virus. Nonetheless, our firm is working around the clock to discuss possible solutions on the above both internally and with various local authorities to enable us assist you to progress your matters in this difficult period.

We will keep you updated on progress made.