Churches suspended in Western Kenya amid an upsurge in Covid-19 infections
June 18, 2021
By Samuel Ouma
Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe
Worship services have been halted in 13 counties in western Kenya for 30 days to curb the spread of coronavirus in the region.
On Thursday, Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced that Busia, Vihiga, Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Trans Nzoia, Bomet, Kakamega, Kericho, and Bungoma counties are accounting for 60 percent of total Covid-19 infections in the country.
The government responded by restricting the virus containment measures and urged residents to wear facemasks properly, keep social distance, and regularly wash or sanitize their hands.
Kagwe said the dusk to dawn curfew time had been reviewed from 10 pm to 4 am to 7 pm to 4 am in the 13 counties.
Market days have also been suspended for one month.
Moreover, employees from both the public and private sectors have been directed to work from home, apart from those offering essential services like health care workers, security officers, etc.
All funerals and interment ceremonies must be held within three days of death confirmation, with only 50 people allowed to attend such events.
All cross-border cargo drivers must possess a valid certificate indicating a negative Covid-19 result. The test must have been conducted no more than 48 hours before starting their journey. Cargo trucks are permitted to carry two persons per vehicle.
Public gatherings, including house parties and sporting activities, have also been suspended until further notice.
When the virus first hit the country, Mombasa and Nairobi were the epicentre of the virus. Later, it shifted to Nakuru, Kajiado, Kiambu and Machakos.
