Supermarkets, retail outlets, chemists, mobile operators, media firms, petrol stations and banks will remain open during the dusk to dawn lockdown that begun yesterday.
In a Gazette Notice No 30, dated 26th March 2020, professionals exempted from the shutdown include: medical personnel, operators in the aviation industry, utility providers, security personnel, postal and courier workers, port operators, and emergency response units.
On day one of the lock-down, ugly scenes of security personnel engaging in harassment of travellers, journalists and shops, was witnessed around the country.
Authorities have already shut down bars, open-air markets and all learning institutions as well as cancelled sporting activities such as the world famous Lewa Marathon.
Experts warn that impact of this partial shutdown could make things worse for the economy. Kenya’s first response in containing the virus has been to cancel large gatherings, — a measure already taking a toll on the hospitality industry, entertainment firms, and the sporting industry.
Our country isn’t a 24-hour economy, most business close by 9pm apart from the “nightlife”.
The curfew will affect the evening foot traffic which is always a retailer’s happy hour, and in turn affect revenues for retail as well as companies. Banks like NCBA have already moved their closing hours from 4PM to 3PM. Long term will mean less revenue generation than would have been on a normal occasion.
Felix Ochieng, a dealer at Faida Investment Bank.
Professor Gerrishon Ikiara, an economist at University of Nairobi agrees that the curfew will negatively impact businesses.
The lockdown has the effect of cutting production and consumption, severely impacting on GDP. The level of shutdowns in economies worldwide is unprecedented and has not been seen for the last 300 years since 1820, We are in a fix between allowing free movement and curbing the spread of Covid-19.
Professor Gerrishon Ikiara in an interview with the Kenyan WallStreet
He said the partial shutdown should be managed effectively to reduce its effects on the economy while protecting the lives of Kenyans.
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