President Uhuru Kenyatta announced he had banned the sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants in counties of Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu, and Nakuru.
"Operations of bars in Nairobi, Nakuru, Machakos, Kiambu and Kajiado is hereby suspended. Other counties shall continue as is and follow set Ministry of Health regulations," Kenyatta directed on March 26.
He stated that restaurants in these counties would only offer takeaway services.
Uhuru further announced changes to curfew hours from the current 10 pm to 8 pm in the five counties - Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu, and Nakuru.
The Head of state stated that the hours were reviewed in light of the new Covid-19 cases.
He stated that the curfew hours would, however, remain the same for the rest of the country from 10 pm to 4 am as is currently the case.
"The directives shall be effective as of midnight, today," he stated.
The President further stated that the curfew passes issued before had been declared null and void.
"In light of the abuse of curfew passes and exemptions and its role in the steep increase in infections, The Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of National Government jointly with the Ministry of Health are directed to immediately review the protocols for reissuance of curfew passes and exemptions. In that regard, in the intervening period, all passes issued are hereby vacated," he noted.
Uhuru further directed all public transport operators to strictly uphold the re-designated 60% carrying capacity;
"The County Emergency Response Committees are directed to enforce implementation of infection prevention control measures in markets-such as handwashing stations; while also ensuring that all sellers and buyers must be fully masked and maintain physical distance.
He further directed that all employers and enterprises of whatever nature including public bodies, the private sector, government offices to allow employees to work from home, with the exception of employees working in critical or essential services that cannot be delivered remotely, until further notified.
