More counties close nightclubs, markets over coronavirus

Several counties have embarked on taking up various precautionary measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus as confirmed cases in the country rise.

In Kajiado, Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has ordered closure of all urban markets and nightclubs with immediate effect to prevent the transmission of Covid-19.

Governor Ole Lenku in conjunction with the National Government has formed a disaster committee that will handle issues pertaining the spread of the coronavirus in the county and sub county levels.

Kajiado County Speaker Johnstone Osoi has said sessions in the county assembly will remain suspended.

At the same time, Kiambu Governor James Nyoro has ordered a stop to all live music performances in the county and directed that all video shows close with immediate effect to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

Nyoro says the county government will provide a tanker of water and bars of soap in every market for purposes of handwashing.

He has also ordered all malls and facilities where large groups of people gather in the county to provide sanitizers for use and handwashing facilities.

In Nyandarua, the Francis Kimemia-led County Government has set aside Kshs. 10 million to combat the COVid-19 pandemic.

Governor Kimemia has further ordered closure of all nightclubs and entertainment joints, sunday markets, urging local residents to exercise caution and proper hygiene.

In Naivasha, Nakuru County, workers in flower farms have been sent home and thousands of others are staring at job losses as the country continues to grapple with the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

With flights cancelled and the collapse of the Dutch auction, farmers have been forced to dispose their flowers and close down various departments as the crisis deeps.

According to the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) the most affected were seasonal workers whose contracts had been terminated with the sector making an estimated daily loss of Ksh.10 million.

In Naivasha, which is home to over 60 flower farms, workers embarked on the painful process of dumping ready flowers meant for export as others headed home with their fate unknown.

Mombasa County has since ordered all nightclubs closed for the next 30 days as a measure to prevent spread of the virus.

In a press briefing on Saturday Governor Hassan Joho and County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo said bars and restaurants will operate up to 11pm.