Uhuru allows Kenyans with doctor appointments travel to Nairobi

President Uhuru Kenyatta says Kenyans with valid reasons such as a doctor’s appointment in Nairobi will be allowed to travel into the city despite the directive barring movement in and out of the country’s capital.

Speaking on Tuesday during a live radio interview with three vernacular stations, Kenyatta reiterated that the measures taken by the government are in no way intended to oppress Kenyans but rather protect them from the coronavirus.

The Head of State said he has instructed government officials to ensure no one is oppressed during the 21-day period of cessation of movement in and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan area, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties.

“The measures we have put in place are not meant to punish anyone, but to prevent spread of this virus. Anyone with a very valid reason I have told government officers including the police not to oppress anyone. If for example it’s someone from Nyeri who has been coming for clinic at the Kenyatta National Hospital or anywhere else in Nairobi, don’t stop them from proceeding with the journey,” said Kenyatta.

He added: “Actually such a person should be helped to come to Nairobi, see the doctor, and then they be facilitated to return back home.”

On Monday, President Kenyatta announced additional measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Kenya among them cessation of movement in and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan area, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties which have since been declared as coronavirus infected areas.

The directive triggered mixed reactions with a section of Kenyans saying the move would cause suffering to vulnerable individuals such as those who have been attending medical clinics in Nairobi.

The government is however adamant that the directive will be implemented with very minimal exceptions.

The movement of food supplies and other cargo will however continue as normal during the declared containment period through road, rail or air.