President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Monday, July 27, explained his decision for not locking down the country despite a surge in Covid-19 cases.
While delivering a nation address at State House, Nairobi, after a meeting with governors, the Head of State explained the ball was squarely in the court of Kenyans to exercise their responsibility.
He further noted that locking the country down at this point would not help curb the spread of the disease.
"Locking down the country will not help," Uhuru asserted.
This was after speculation that the governors were pushing for the closure of Nairobi and Mombasa Counties claiming that they were the source of the Covid-19 virus spread since the partial lockdown was lifted in June.
Uhuru made the decision even as Covid-19 cases recorded its highest rise in a single day on Sunday, July 26, which recorded 960 cases from over 8,000 samples.
urged citizens to hold each other accountable especially with an increase in those caught breaking Ministry of Health directives.
"I did reduce some measures we had taken and reminded everyone that the government response was made along another call - the call on individual responsibility," he stated.
The president also noted that the low fatality rate was giving Kenyans false comfort that the pandemic was not serious.
"We are not immune or special. The fact that other countries don't report what happens in their countries doesn't mean they are not suffering, for us we are an open society. We report everything. Our media is free," he noted.
The president also banned the sale of alcoholic beverages in eateries and restaurants following a surge in Covid-19 cases during his address.
He further announced a change in operating hours for hotels and restaurants, which will now operate until 7 p.m. - a change from the 8 p.m. deadline.
"The relatively low infection rates compared to other countries is giving Kenyans false comfort that the pandemic is not a serious health risk. The Government cannot police the morality of citizens," Uhuru stated.
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