Kakamega Governor and Council of Governors chairman Wycliffe Oparanya has said it’s hard for Kenya to implement and operate under a total lockdown due to the state of the economy, “It will be hard to feed those who can’t support themselves,” he said. Speaking during an interview with West FM, Governor Oparanya said around 8 million people can’t and won’t be able to support themselves with food and other essentials.
He said a lockdown isn’t an easy option, adding that the decision to set up cessation of movement into and out of designated Counties of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale was made instead. The Governor also lauded the effect of the nationwide curfew, saying many people are going home early and that entertainment joints that brought groups together are closed early.
Following concerns by the Health Ministry that some Kenyans are trying to find ways of leaving restricted Counties, Oparanya said Kakamega County officials are ready to identify those who might’ve sneaked in from the restricted Counties. He said County health workers, village administrators have been trained to look keenly at their areas of jurisdiction and identify visitors and those who aren’t supposed to be there. If some are found, they are reported to the relevant authorities and after answering questions, will be taken to quarantine centers.