Covid-19: Kenya lifts curfew in force since March 2020

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses the nation during Mashujaa Day (Hero's Day) celebrations to commemorate those who participated in the country's liberation struggle, at Wang'uru Stadium in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Kenya , October 20, 2021. On this occasion, President Kenyatta announced the lifting of the curfew decreed to stem the spread of Covid-19, in force since March 2020. REUTERS - MONICAH MWANGI

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday October 20 lifted the curfew that had been in force in Kenya since 2020 to stem the spread of Covid-19.

He made the announcement on the occasion of the celebrations of Mashujaa Day, the national day of tribute to the heroes of Kenyan independence.

In recent weeks, the number of new contaminations has fallen sharply.

The head of state also announces a series of measures intended to revive the Kenyan economy, hard hit by the pandemic. 

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With our correspondent in Nairobi,

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It is in these terms that Uhuru Kenyatta announced the immediate lifting of the curfew in force for more than a year and a half.

Another announcement: the authorized gauge in places of worship goes from one third to two thirds ...

The head of state does not claim victory, however.

He continues to call on Kenyans to be vigilant, but welcomes the drop in the number of new Covid-19 contaminations.

117 new recurrent cases per day on average currently against more than 1,300 3 months ago.

And this, despite a vaccination rate that remains low, 4.8% of the adult population is fully vaccinated, according to the latest government statistics.

In recent weeks, the maintenance of the curfew has attracted more and more criticism from restaurant professionals in particular.

More than 700,000 jobs have been destroyed since the start of the pandemic, particularly in the informal sector, among artisans and traders.

For the first time in 30 years, the country's GDP even declined last year.

The Head of State has also announced a battery of measures intended to support the Kenyan economy and purchasing power: in particular subsidies to farmers as well as a 30% drop in the price of electricity. 'here at the end of the year celebrations. 

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• Kenya

• Coronavirus

• Uhuru Kenyatta