As the holiday mood kicks in, the government is contemplating introducing tougher rules in an attempt to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
Reports indicate that a number of Kenyans living in urban areas like Nairobi, Nakuru, and Mombasa are already travelling to the countryside in droves to spend time with their relatives as is the norm.
This sudden migration to the countryside is worrying senior government officials who fear that the unrestricted movement of people may only worsen an already bad situation.
Kenyans have often travelled to the village during festivities, only that this is a different season, one plagued by a global pandemic that has killed millions worldwide.
To contain the runaway virus, the government is reportedly contemplating exacting stringent control measures to curb the spread of the virus during the festive season.
This comes just days after the Council of Governors (CoG) led by chairperson Governor Wycliffe Oparanya implored the government to ban travel to the countryside during the festive period.
The governor expressed concern over the sudden rise in the number of travelers trooping to the village at a time when Covid-19 numbers are continuing to rise.
The governors specifically called for partial lockdown in areas with the highest numbers of Covid-19 cases.
The council presented a memorandum that recommended restricted movement in and out of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kajiado, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Machakos, Kisumu and Kilifi.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is this week scheduled to address the nation on the new measures revised by the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus (NERC).
Health Chief Administrative Secretary Dr Rashid Aman warned Kenyans to be responsible during the festive season.
“We are getting into the festive season and this is a time when, of course, the spread of the virus can be accelerated.”
