The Kenyan government on Saturday extended the nationwide daily curfew for an additional 21 days as part of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

President Uhuru Kenyatta made the announcement during a live address to the nation from State House. Additionally, four regions, including the capital Nairobi, had their existing containment periods extended by 21 days.

"In accordance to the advice given to me by the National Emergency Response Committee on the Coronavirus pandemic, the National Security Council has sanctioned the following additional measures to protect lives and to protect our country. That the cessation of movement into and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area and the counties of Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa that are currently in force shall be extended for a further containment period of 21 days. That the nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew that is currently in force shall also be extended for a further period of 21 days,”President Kenyatta said.

On March 27, a daily nationwide curfew from 7pm to 5am in an attempt to halt the virus' spread came into effect two days after President Kenyatta announced it. On April 6, the government enforced an order on the cessation of movement by road, rail and air into and out of the four regions.

Additionally, the president said security agencies will upgrade their response measures in every border area to counter the threat of porous borders compromising the nation’s COVID-19 response. 

The president also said that four counties (Mandera, Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa) face imposition of more stringent measures should they continue to register more increases in infections.

At the same time, the president announced the confirmation of seven new COVID-19 cases bringing the country’s total to 343. An additional four people have recovered from the virus raising the total recoveries to 98 so far. The number of fatalities still stands at 14.

President Kenyatta also said that about 17,492 people had been tested and the government was proceeding with mass targeted testing which will guide the policies that the government will seek to implement in the present and future.

SOURCE: Kenya Presidency