President Uhuru Kenyatta has confirmed 16 more Covid-19 cases in Kenya, bringing the total to 158. The President has also confirmed two more Coronavirus deaths, bringing the number of fatalities to 6. He said the rate of growth of the virus is exponential if not arrested and that if it spreads to large numbers, it can lead to pressure on the medical facilities and a subsequent massive loss of lives.
So far, the government has tested a total of 4,277 people. The Head of State has ordered a cessation of movement into and out of Nairobi Metropolitan area, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale Counties. The order takes effect in Nairobi on Monday 7 pm and in the Coastal Counties on Wednesday. The Nairobi Metropolitan Area is designated as the Nairobi City County, Part of Kiambu County to Chania river, Thika including Ndendero, Rironi, Kiambu town, Part of Machakos County upto Athi river including Katani, Part of Kajiado County including Kitengela, Kiserian, Ongata Rongai, Ngong town, “The Cabinet Secretary of Health has declared the Nairobi Metropolitan area and the Counties of Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa as Covid-19 infected areas,” he said.
The cessation of movement shall be for a containment period of 21 days. President Kenyatta said the majority of Covid-19 cases have been recorded in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale Counties, with Nairobi having 82% of the total cases and 14% of cases in the Coast Counties. He has further directed the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage to avail Kshs 100 million for those in the entertainment industry including musicians and actors so that they keep entertaining Kenyans through TV, Radio and internet. He added that starting this week local artistes will be earning a total of Kshs 200 million per month, paid via channels set up by the government