President Uhuru Kenyatta gives 6 new directions after being briefed on Corona Virus

President Uhuru gives 6 new directions after being briefed on Corona Virus

Tony Mukere

March 12, 2020 5:22 PM

Kenya's budget to be adjusted

President Uhuru Kenyatta gives 6 new directions after being briefed on Corona Virus

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday received the initial report of the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus which the World Health Organization declaration (WHO) has declared a global pandemic.

A statement released after the briefing indicated that Kenya has not registered any case of the Coronavirus but remains vigilant in monitoring and screening of all persons entering Kenya by different modes of transport.

The President was also briefed on the level of preparedeness by both the National and County Governments in line with Executive Order No. 2 issued on 28^th February 2020.

After the meeting, the head of state issued six new directives including an order for the budget to be readjusted to overcome the economic challenges that will arise from the coronavirus epidemic.

1. Enforcement of the directive barring Government officials from undertaking non-essential travel out of the country

2. Businesses and private citizens advised not to engage in non-essential travel especially to high-risk areas.

3. All returning Kenyans and other visitors from high risk areas are directed to self quarantine for not less than 14 continuous days in line with global practice and as recommended by the WHO.

4. As part of the continuous messaging on safe hygiene, all educational institutions are directed to ensure that safe hygiene is practiced and enforced daily, especially the washing of hands with soap and water.

5. Directed the development of specific prevention strategies to take care of low income and vulnerable populations especially in informal settlements. These efforts will leverage on existing community structures including chiefs, ward administrators, religious leaders and Nyumba Kumi elders to raise awareness and coordinate responses.

6. His Excellency the President directed the necessary review and adjustment of budgets towards prevention and management response actions, and to cushion the economy against the negative effects of the pandemic.

Tony Mukere