What's the government response timeline for Kenya?

Public Communications on Covid-19, including posters, on social media from Ministry of Health. https://twitter.com/MOH_Kenya/status/1232361147904466949/photo/1

On March 13, the Health Ministry announced that for at least 30 days, "All Kenyans should observe the following: [...] Suspend all public gatherings, meetings, religious crusades games events etc. Normal church services can go on provided they provide sanitizing/and hand washing." SOURCE: http://www.health.go.ke/first-case-of-coronavirus-disease-confirmed-in-kenya/

all public gatherings have been banned from March 13 onwards. https://archive.fo/wip/aTD5c

On March 15, 2020, the Kenyan government decided to shut down schools and colleges nationwide in response to COVID-19, affecting nearly 17 million students countrywide. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/coronavirus-kenya-shuts-schools-as-new-cases-confirmed/1767139 https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2020/05/06/how-school-closures-during-covid-19-further-marginalize-vulnerable-children-in-kenya/

Work closing is recommended but not required. However, closing is required to meet the curfew hours. https://www.president.go.ke/2020/03/15/address-to-the-nation-by-h-e-uhuru-kenyatta-c-g-h-president-of-the-republic-of-kenya-and-commander-in-chief-of-the-defence-forces-on-covid-19-commonly-known-as-coronavirus/

On media channels and through government-sponsored adverts http://www.health.go.ke/

1)Kenya has always had a National Influenza Laboratory that tests flu-related symptoms. 2) However, when COVID-19 was classified as a pandemic and the subsequent announcement of the first case on March 13, 2020, Kenya enforced a policy mandating that anyone showing symptoms or meets elgible criteria such as recently traveling, is to be tested. Additionally, anyone traveling from overseas to Kenya is to be quarantined at their own expense and is mandatory. Sources: US Embassy in Kenya: https://ke.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/chief-coronavirus-worst-crisis-wwii-live-updates-200331233659496.html Official Tweets by Ministry of Health in Kenya : https://twitter.com/MOH_Kenya/status/1245379494166310913?s=20 https://twitter.com/MOH_Kenya/status/1242176769517588482?s=20 https://pbs.twimg.com/hashflag/config-2020-04-02-08.json

Contact Tracing is Limited to those who come in contact with those patients that test positive for COVID-19. However, the government put in place measures to screen randomly from March 21 Sources: Tweets by the Ministry of Health (Kenya): https://twitter.com/MOH_Kenya/status/1240650877700059136?s=20 Daily Nation: https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Kenya-confirms-first-coronavirus-case/1056-5489268-28tqll/ https://twitter.com/MOH_Kenya/status/1240687712891367426?s=20 The Star: https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2020-03-31-contact-tracing-kilimani-westlands-seen-as-covid-19-hotspots-in-nairobi/

On 15 March, the Government of Kenya announced new measures that suspend travel for all persons coming into Kenya from any country with reported Coronavirus cases (effective 17 March). Only Kenyan citizens, and any foreigners with valid residence permits, will be allowed to enter the country provided they self-quarantine or quarantine in a government-designated facility. These new measures will be in place for, at least, 30 days. https://www.osac.gov/Content/Report/ff83761c-96b2-4cd4-9e9a-1836b04ac86f https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51917920

"Kenyan banks will allow personal borrowers who get into difficulties because of the coronavirus crisis to extend their loans for up to a year" https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-kenya/update-2-kenyan-rwandan-banks-to-offer-relief-to-distressed-borrowers-central-banks-say-idUSL8N2BB2J1

"On 19 March 2020, the Kenya Bankers Association announced that reliefs will be granted to borrowers affected by coronavirus COVID-19 if their repayments were up to date as at 2 March 2020." https://www.dlapiper.com/en/us/insights/publications/2020/03/coronavirus-on-loans-and-real-estate-arrangements-kenya/

"Health Secretary Mutahi Kagwe asked public transport operators, including railway services, to carry only 60% of their passenger capacity" https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-20/kenya-orders-early-closure-of-bars-in-measures-against-virus

1)Kenya has always had a National Influenza Laboratory that tests flu-related symptoms. 2) However, when COVID-19 was classified as a pandemic and the subsequent announcement of the first case on March 13, 2020, Kenya enforced a policy mandating that anyone showing symptoms or meets elgible criteria such as recently traveling, is to be tested. Additionally, anyone traveling from overseas to Kenya is to be quarantined at their own expense and is mandatory. Sources: US Embassy in Kenya: https://ke.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/chief-coronavirus-worst-crisis-wwii-live-updates-200331233659496.html Official Tweets by Ministry of Health in Kenya : https://twitter.com/MOH_Kenya/status/1245379494166310913?s=20 https://twitter.com/MOH_Kenya/status/1242176769517588482?s=20 https://pbs.twimg.com/hashflag/config-2020-04-02-08.json

Contact Tracing is Limited to those who come in contact with those patients that test positive for COVID-19. However, the government put in place measures to screen randomly from March 21 Sources: Tweets by the Ministry of Health (Kenya): https://twitter.com/MOH_Kenya/status/1240650877700059136?s=20 Daily Nation: https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Kenya-confirms-first-coronavirus-case/1056-5489268-28tqll/ https://twitter.com/MOH_Kenya/status/1240687712891367426?s=20 The Star: https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2020-03-31-contact-tracing-kilimani-westlands-seen-as-covid-19-hotspots-in-nairobi/

On March 24th, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said that bars were to be closed (Source 1) This was still the case as of May 7 (Source 2), and on June 6, it was announced that these closings would remain in place for 30 more days (Source 3) Source 1: 20200607150605/ https://www.nation.co.ke/dailynation/news/flights-suspended-bars-closed-in-war-against-coronavirus-280550 Source 2: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/05/07/kenya-is-turning-public-health-crisis-into-law-and-order-one/ Source 3: https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2020/06/uhuru-orders-bars-to-remain-closed-for-30-more-days/

Direct cash payments to vulnerable citizens bolstered, "additional Ksh. 10 Billion to the elderly, orphans and other vulnerable members of our society through cash-transfers by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to cushion them from the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic" https://www.president.go.ke/2020/03/25/presidential-address-on-the-state-interventions-to-cushion-kenyans-against-economic-effects-of-covid-19-pandemic-on-25th-march-2020/

A Nation wide curfew is put in place for Kenya between the hours of 1700hr and 0500hrs https://archive.fo/Fu5pR

The government issues a daily curfew beginning on March 27 2020, from 7pm to 5am. https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-kenya-economy/refile-update-2-kenya-announces-tax-cuts-and-curfew-in-battle-with-coronavirus-idUSL8N2BI73I

As part of the "Restriction of Movement of Persons and Related Measures" announced on 6 April, travel is prohibited between areas deemed as "infected" and "not infected" between 8-29 April. However, public transport can still operate within an "infected" area during this period provided compliance with health protocols and reduced capacity (see pages 656-657). https://kam.co.ke/kam/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/L.-N.-No.-50-Public-Health-Amended-LEGAL-VERSION.pdf.pdf

21 day movement ban in effect for Nairobi, Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa everyone else under curfew and advised to stay indoors. https://archive.fo/wip/CvAbp

As part of the "Restriction of Movement of Persons and Related Measures" announced on 6 April, all public and air transport services into or out of infected areas are prohibited from 8 April to 29 April. https://kam.co.ke/kam/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/L.-N.-No.-50-Public-Health-Amended-LEGAL-VERSION.pdf.pdf

On media channels and throgh government-sponsored adverts http://www.health.go.ke/

movement ban added for Mandera, additional to lockdowns initiated on the 6th of April. https://archive.fo/wip/IT13c

It does not appear that the following was relaxed: On March 13, the Health Ministry announced that for at least 30 days, "All Kenyans should observe the following: [...] Suspend all public gatherings, meetings, religious crusades games events etc. Normal church services can go on provided they provide sanitizing/and hand washing." SOURCE: http://www.health.go.ke/first-case-of-coronavirus-disease-confirmed-in-kenya/

President Uhuru Kenyatta directed a mandatory curfew as of March 26, 2020 from 7pm to 5am. https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/ea/Kenya-goes-into-dusk-to-dawn-curfew/4552908-5506824-9plkom/

On media channels and through government-sponsored adverts http://www.health.go.ke/

A Nationwide curfew remains in effect as well as the lockdown of majorly affected areas http://archive.fo/IT13c

No indication that public events are allowed to proceed given the extended National Lockdowns http://archive.fo/bNPig

Nationwide curfew remains, Mandera county placed under lockdown for 21 days (total movement ban) http://archive.fo/wip/pZ6ye

On 25 April, the President of Kenya announced an extension of the existing lockdown measures in the regions of Nairobi, Mombassa, Kilifi, and Kwale. The quarantine will be extended by 21 days as these areas are most at-risk for the virus. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-25/kenya-shuts-off-capital-for-3-more-weeks-tax-changes-approved

Schools remain closed, and the closure is extended to June 4th http://archive.fo/wip/xb6dT

Nationwide curfew extended for 21 days http://archive.fo/bNPig

border remains closed to all travellers from air and land. Cargo excepted http://archive.fo/wip/xb6dT

Direct cash payments to vulnerable citizens bolstered, "additional Ksh. 10 Billion to the elderly, orphans and other vulnerable members of our society through cash-transfers by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to cushion them from the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic" https://www.president.go.ke/2020/03/25/presidential-address-on-the-state-interventions-to-cushion-kenyans-against-economic-effects-of-covid-19-pandemic-on-25th-march-2020/

"On 19 March 2020, the Kenya Bankers Association announced that reliefs will be granted to borrowers affected by coronavirus COVID-19 if their repayments were up to date as at 2 March 2020." https://www.dlapiper.com/en/us/insights/publications/2020/03/coronavirus-on-loans-and-real-estate-arrangements-kenya/

All meetings, conferences and events of an international nature have been banned. Kenyan citizens have been advised to avoid crowded places and to work remotely where possible. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya/staying-during-coronavirus

Nationwide curfew in place and gatherings remain banned. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya/staying-during-coronavirus

UPDATED NOTE: Since May, Kenya's Government has rolled out voluntary public testing for the novel coronavirus in Nairobi slums. however, not many Kenyans are voluntary getting tested because they fear that if they test positive they will suffer hard economic consequences and be stigmatized. Previously, the government has communicated that if you test positive you must self-quarantine at your own expense. Source 1 https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/kenya-records-low-turnout-in-mass-coronavirus-testing/1828539 Source 2 https://allafrica.com/stories/202005050152.html Source 3 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-kenya-testing/kenya-rolls-out-testing-in-nairobi-slums-but-some-fear-stigma-idUSKBN2331HZ

All schools remain closed country-wide https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

nationwide curfew. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya/staying-during-coronavirus

On 20 May, the Government extended until 6 June the travel ban into and out of the regions of Nairobi and Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, and Mandera. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/344111/kenya-authorities-extend-lockdown-in-eastleigh-nairobi-and-old-town-mombasa-until-june-6-update-21

As of 31 May, Kenya still has a voluntary PCR testing scheme in place. https://www.africanews.com/2020/05/31/kenyans-heed-govt-s-voluntary-covid-19-testing-scheme/

As of 3 June, the Ministry of Health reported that 48% of the cases forwarded for contact tracing have not been properly traced (see Table 2, pages 10-11). https://www.health.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Kenya-COVID-19-SITREP-078-03-Jun-2020.pdf

On 6 June, the President announced a 30-day extension of the measure that orders bars to remain closed. https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2020/06/uhuru-orders-bars-to-remain-closed-for-30-more-days/

As part of the measures announced on 6 June, all forms of gatherings, including political meetings, will remain banned for at least 30 more days. https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2020/06/uhuru-orders-bars-to-remain-closed-for-30-more-days/

As part of the measures announced on 6 June, all forms of gatherings, including political meetings, will remain banned for at least 30 more days. https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2020/06/uhuru-orders-bars-to-remain-closed-for-30-more-days/

On 6 June, the Government announced an ease in the movement restrictions in some areas of Nairobi as well as Mombasa's Old Town and the counties of Kilifi and Kwale. However, lockdown measures will remain in place until 6 July in most of Nairobi's Metropolitan area, and the Mombasa and Mandera counties. https://nairobinews.nation.co.ke/featured/uhuru-extends-nairobi-mombasa-lockdown-by-30-days https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/348946/kenya-authorities-announce-extension-of-lockdown-measures-until-july-6-update-23

On 6 June, Kenyan President announced an extension of the nationwide lockdown measures until July 6. Restrictions on road, rail, and air movements in and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan area, as well as Mombasa and Mandera counties were also extended for 30 days. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/348946/kenya-authorities-announce-extension-of-lockdown-measures-until-july-6-update-23

The Education Ministry is expected to start gradual reopening of schools from September 1 while a new learning calendar should be ready by Mid-August 2020. https://allafrica.com/stories/202006160079.html

The restrictions put in place include a partial lockdown in Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa and a nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew. Some businesses like bars and schools and places of worship remain shut as passenger vehicles carry half their capacity to curb the spread of the disease. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/29/c_139175561.htm

President Kenyatta on June 6 extended a ban on public gatherings for 30 days to curb the spread of coronavirus, restricting entry and exit from the capital and the counties of Mombasa and Mandera for a similar period. https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/news/Governors-want-economy-reopened-

No specific mention of gathering size, but I think a 4G is reasonable approximation given severity of other restrictions. President Kenyatta on June 6 extended a ban on public gatherings for 30 days to curb the spread of coronavirus, restricting entry and exit from the capital and the counties of Mombasa and Mandera for a similar period. https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/news/Governors-want-economy-reopened-

Effective June 7, nightly curfew hours are revised to 9:00 pm to 4:00 am. Those violating the curfew may be arrested and put in mandatory quarantine for 14 days at their own expense. https://www.osac.gov/Country/Kenya/Content/Detail/Report/eb77c55d-fbca-4670-9c2d-18e154a19666

On June 6, the Government of Kenya (GoK) announced that movement restrictions in and out of Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighborhood, Mombasa’s Old Town neighborhood, and the counties of Kilifi and Kwale lapse as of June 7. However, movement restrictions in and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Mombasa and Mandera counties are extended an additional 30 days. https://www.osac.gov/Country/Kenya/Content/Detail/Report/eb77c55d-fbca-4670-9c2d-18e154a19666

Per the June 6 announcement, the GoK continued restrictions of international flights in and out of Kenya. The Kenyan Ministry of Transport will develop protocols to reinstate domestic air travel. https://www.osac.gov/Country/Kenya/Content/Detail/Report/eb77c55d-fbca-4670-9c2d-18e154a19666

Recoded (previous coder had changed from 1F and then to 2F without sourcing). Appears that Kenya is still offering direct cash payments at less than 50% average income to people including formal and informal workers, vulnerable persons or families, etc. https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/kenya-tax-developments-in-response-to-covid-19.html

"On 19 March 2020, the Kenya Bankers Association announced that reliefs will be granted to borrowers affected by coronavirus COVID-19 if their repayments were up to date as at 2 March 2020." https://www.dlapiper.com/en/us/insights/publications/2020/03/coronavirus-on-loans-and-real-estate-arrangements-kenya/

The Education Ministry is expected to start gradual reopening of schools from September 1 while a new learning calendar should be ready by Mid-August 2020. https://allafrica.com/stories/202006160079.html

As per presidential address on July 6, bars and restaurants can still only serve takeout. https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/covid-19-update-uhuru-full-speech-1445758

As per presidential address on July 6 "the prohibition against social and political gatherings, of whatever nature, is extended for a further period of 30 days" https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/covid-19-update-uhuru-full-speech-1445758

No specific mention of gathering size but I think 4G is warranted given "the prohibition against social and political gatherings, of whatever nature, is extended for a further period of 30 days" https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/covid-19-update-uhuru-full-speech-1445758

As per presidential address on July 6 "I order and direct THAT the Nationwide Curfew that is currently in force between the hours of 9pm and 4am daily, be and is hereby extended by a further 30 days." https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/covid-19-update-uhuru-full-speech-1445758

"International Air Travel into and out of the Territory of the Republic of Kenya shall resume effective 1st August, 2020; in strict conformity with all protocols from the Ministry of Health, local and international civil aviation authorities, and any additional requirements applicable at the ports of departure, arrival or transit" https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/covid-19-update-uhuru-full-speech-1445758

"On 19 March 2020, the Kenya Bankers Association announced that reliefs will be granted to borrowers affected by coronavirus COVID-19 if their repayments were up to date as at 2 March 2020." https://www.dlapiper.com/en/us/insights/publications/2020/03/coronavirus-on-loans-and-real-estate-arrangements-kenya/

On 7 July, the Education Minister announced that all schools will remain closed until January 2021 due to the pandemic. This statement extends school closures past the previously expected reopening in September. "All schools in Kenya will remain closed until next January because of the coronavirus pandemic. Final year exams, usually taken in October and November, have also been cancelled. Education Minister George Magoha said students would repeat a year as schools had closed in mid-March, three months after the school calendar had begun. But colleges and universities are to reopen in September if they abide by strict guidelines." http://archive.fo/UevkR

The cessation of movement order that barred entry into and out of Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera counties lapsed on July 7th. Any movement by public transport vehicles into and out of these areas requires transport providers to first acquire mandatory certification from the Ministry of Health, in consultation with the Ministry of Transport. Users of public or private transport are required to wear a protective mask. https://ke.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

The cessation of movement order that barred entry into and out of Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera counties lapsed on July 7th. Any movement by public transport vehicles into and out of these areas requires transport providers to first acquire mandatory certification from the Ministry of Health, in consultation with the Ministry of Transport. Users of public or private transport are required to wear a protective mask. https://ke.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

The earlier rationale on the prohibition of all social/political (inferring private and public) gatherings remains valid, with additional info from Pres. Kenyatta that no more than 100 people may gather for religious worship. "In line with the guidelines issued by the Inter-Faith Council, only a maximum of one hundred (100)participants will be allowed at each worship ceremony and not be more than one hour" https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/covid-19-update-uhuru-full-speech-1445758

"Eateries and restaurants have also been reopened but with an adjustment to closing hours from 8pm to 7 pm." http://www.mygov.go.ke/index.php?act=article&id=301

No policy change.

Dusk to dawn curfew extended: "The President did not, however, impose the much-anticipated lockdown, only extending the dusk-to-dawn curfew by another 30 days." http://www.mygov.go.ke/index.php?act=article&id=301

On 27 July, the Ministry of Health announced that contact tracing efforts in the country are still limited. 13461 of the 17975 COVID-19 cases in the country are still pending of contact listing (see pages 10-11). https://www.health.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Kenya-COVID-19-SITREP-132-27-Jul-2020.pdf

"Domestic air travel resumed on July 15th under Ministry of Health and Transport guidelines. International flights resumed on August 1st. Arriving U.S. passengers are exempt from quarantine if the following conditions are met: 1) The passenger does not have a body temperature above 37.5°C (99.5°F); 2) The passenger does not have a persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms; 3) The passenger has a negative PCR-based COVID-19 test conducted within 96 hours before travel." https://ke.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ And "“All arriving passengers with a PCR-based Covid-19 negative result, whose temperature is not above 37 degrees celsius and do not have difficulty in breathing, repeated cough and have proved to have been tested within 96 hours before travel shall be exempted from quarantine,” he said. Mr Macharia further indicated that passengers arriving during the curfew hours will be allowed to proceed to their hotels and those departing allowed to go to the airport to catch their flights. “As long as the passengers can show their travel documents, including tickets and boarding passes, they should be allowed to continue with their journey,” [the transport secretary] said." https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/kenya-issues-guidelines-as-it-starts-receiving-international-flights-1910166