President Uhuru Kenyatta’s lifting of the 10 pm to 4 am curfew in his Wednesday, 20 October 2021, Mashujaa day speech at Wanguru stadium, in Kirinyaga County, did not give clarity on bar operation hours.
There was confusion over the operating hours of bars after the National Police Service and Tourism ministry gave contradicting statements.
The National Police Service, via a tweet, stated that all bars are to close by 7 pm, as it has been. Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Najib Balala was also quoted by The Star saying the lifting of the curfew meant bars and restaurants were free to operate without previous restrictions.
In a live press conference at Afya House in Nairobi on Thursday, October 21, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe clarified that bars are to be closed at 11 pm, some others shall close at the time as stipulated by their licenses.
Mr. Kagwe urged that other Covid-19 protocols like handwashing and sanitization at bars and restaurants be observed to safeguard against coronavirus spread.