Night Economy is Back
Written by Celine Abuga & Odhiambo Shem on October 25, 2021
There have been confusion amongst Kenyans since the lifting of the dusk to dawn curfew by the president during Mashujaa Day celebrations on 20th October.
The confusion was created by the Kenya National Police Service which announced that despite the lifting of the curfew, bars and restaurants were still not to operate beyond 7pm.
However, the Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe clarified this by indicating that the bars and restaurants will operate till 11pm.
This created more confusion as people could not understand why operating time for bars and restaurants are restricted yet curfew has been lifted. CS Kagwe however clarified further stating that they were allowed to operate till 11pm or the time allowed by the licensing authorities.
Another sector that was affected by the curfew was the transport sector since they could no longer operate at night, though on Friday 23rd October, Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia announced resumption of night travels following the lifting of the curfew, a move that is a boost to the sector which was running on losses.
The lifting of the curfew was welcomed by Kenyans as they stated that this will boost the economy.
Despite the lifting of the curfew, Kenyans have been urged to continue observing covid-19 containment measures. The fact is that curfew has been lifted and the night economy that has been on hold for 19 months can resume.
This message is brought to you by sky FM in collaboration with Code for Africa’s ilab for Data Journalism program supported by DW Akademie.
