Leaders as well as locals from Nakuru County have expressed mixed reactions ahead of the President Uhuru Kenyatta’s national address on COVID-19.
Majority of locals in Nakuru town who spoke to this writer are anticipating that the President will relax some of the COVID-19 restrictions.
Hanningtone Maina –a resident is of the opinion that the President should relax some of the restrictions on COVID-19.
“We hope the President will relax some of the restrictions because CORONA is here to stay and we just need to learn to live with it” said Maina.
However, some locals feel if the President will open Nairobi Metropolitan, Mombasa and Mandera Counties then it will lead to more infections as many will move to rural areas.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui on his part stating that President Kenyatta is facing a dilemma over the all issue of whether to open the economy or not.
Kinyanjui is however quick to note that the counties have not fully prepared in terms of bed capacity to handle the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore there is need for more time and more measures in place.
“As it stands now the counties are yet to fully put in place the measure for the COVID-19” said Kinyanjui.
Sentiments echoed by Subukia MP Samuel Gachobe.
According to the Law maker, in case the President decides to open up the economy then there should be measures in place to ensure those travelling to rural areas are tested and given certificate.
“If the President decides to open up the economy then there should be testi9ng and certification before mass movement” he said.