President Uhuru Kenyatta revealed he did not issue a complete lockdown on Monday, April 6 because he understands the implications of one.
Uhuru was speaking in an interview with local Kikuyu vernacular stations on Tuesday, April 7 at State House, Nairobi.
The president revealed why he did not order a lockdown in his state address on Monday, "We do not want to lockdown Kenyans in their houses like in other countries because what will they eat?"
According to research from Infotrack, over 65% of Kenyans want the government to issue a total lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Uhuru, however, revealed that a lockdown would be enforced should Kenyans fail to adhere to set directives, "If we don't follow the directives given by the government we shall have no option but to order a lockdown.
"But I know the implications of lockdown and that's why I don't want us to follow that route."
Uhuru on Monday issued a cessation of movement into and out of Nairobi, Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa counties with the coastal areas enforcement of the directive starting on Wednesday, April 8.
The president acknowledged that the majority of Kenyans live from hand to mouth and will be adversely affected by a lockdown.
"We understand our people better. We know that a majority of Kenyans depend on daily activities to earn their livelihoods, therefore, we don’t need to lock down the country as long as we can strictly adhere to the measures already in place."
Following the president's directive on Monday, a number of roadblocks have been erected in various entry points in the Nairobi Metropolitan area.
Movement within Nairobi, however, proceeds as usual with Kenyans urged to wear masks in public places to mitigate the spread of the deadly virus.
As of Monday, April 6, Kenya had confirmed 158 positive Covid-19 cases with six fatalities.
