President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced the confirmation of 16 new coronavirus cases which now raises the total number of patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Kenya to 158.
In a State address from State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta also disclosed that the death toll from the coronavirus in the country had risen to six after two more individuals succumbed to the disease.
At the same time, four persons are also reported to have recovered from the disease.
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He went on to announce several new measures to be implemented in a bid to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Partial Lock-Down in 4 Counties
Observing that a majority of confirmed cases were in Nairobi, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale counties, Uhuru announced far-reaching travel restrictions in the four counties to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“There shall be a cessation of all movement by road, rail or air in and out of the Nairobi metropolitan area and the counties of Kilifi, Kwale, and Mombasa,” he asserted.
The Nairobi Metropolitan region includes parts of Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos counties.
The movement restrictions will take effect in the Nairobi metropolitan area at 7 PM on Monday, April 6 and in the other three counties at 7 PM on Wednesday, April 8. The restrictions will remain in place for 21 days.
Uhuru revealed that the decision was taken following a meeting of the National Security Council.
“I issue these enhanced measures well aware that they will inconvenience many Kenyans. However, not doing so will lead to even greater suffering for Kenyans,” Uhuru announced.
Proceeds of Corruption
The president further ordered that Ksh2 billion seized from proceeds of corruption be channeled by the National Treasury to support the most vulnerable members of society.
“Our war on corruption continues to bear fruits. As we scale up our intervention to this pandemic I have directed the National Treasury to use 2 Billion of recovered corruption proceeds in supporting the most vulnerable in our society,” he stated.
Those expected to benefit from the funds include the elderly, orphans and the disabled as well as residents in informal settlements in urban areas.
The funds are supposed to enable those considered most vulnerable to access food and other essential items during the pandemic.
Measures to Support Artists
To cushion the arts industry, President Kenyatta announced that a framework had been formulated by the Ministry of ICT in collaboration with Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) to ensure artists draw higher royalties.
He announced that in line with a pledge he made in January, royalties payments worth about Ksh200 million a month would be disbursed beginning ‘this week’ in line with the new framework.
It is expected that at least Ksh2 billion will paid out to artists in royalties annually after implementation of the new framework.
The president also directed the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage to allocate Ksh100 million from the Sports Fund to support actors and artists during the pandemic.
Appeal to Landlords
Uhuru took time to commend landlord who had offered rent waivers to tenants during the difficult Covid-19 period.
He advised others who had not yet done so to follow suit, reiterating the importance of Kenyans working together and displaying resilience during the crisis.
Uhuru also urged citizens to strictly adhere to rules on social distancing, particularly directing Kenyans to wear protective masks when visiting all public places.
“Fellow Kenyans. make no mistake, we are at war and we will win this war if we stick together,” Uhuru maintained.
The president vowed that the government would not relent in its fight against the virus, emphasizing the global magnitude of the pandemic.
“I will go to any lawful lengths to respond to the Coronavirus,” he asserted.
