I am yet to see how one can use a facemask while drinking — Interior PS Karanja Kibicho

The country has been under a nationwide curfew for almost ten weeks and this weekend President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to ease some of the guidelines.

Many sectors of the economy have been significantly affected by the curfew and the cessation of movement and many have lost their jobs.

On Wednesday, Interior PS Karanja Kibicho hinted the economy might be reopened, albeit in stages.

“We are between a rock and a hard place. We have hit over 2000 positive cases…we must ask ourselves whether we will open up and lose all the gains.

“We may not expect to remove the curfew altogether…it is a discussion that is ongoing. We might revise the timelines,” he said.

The final meeting over the reopening will take place today and President Uhuru Kenyatta will address the country before the end of the week.

Kibicho also hinted that easing of the curfew might be different from county to county due to the dynamics involved.

Cessation of movement has been in effect in Nairobi, Mandera, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale after the Ministry of Health noted that they were high risk areas.

A video of revelers having a good time at a popular Nairobi club did rounds on social media this week and Kibicho is concerned that reopening such spaces will increase the spread of the virus exponentially.

“I am yet to see how you will practice social distancing while making merry and use a facemask while drinking,” he said.

Health CAS Dr Rashid Aman also warned those who have gone back to drinking and hosting parties that they are putting themselves at risk.

“We must wear masks at all times to protect ourselves and our loved ones and avoid the risk of being infected or infecting others.

“The only measure that has been relaxed is the measure that allowed operation of restaurants and eateries based on strict adherence to the social and physical distancing measures,” he said.