Bars, restaurants and the entire domestic hospitality industry can return to free hours without any restrictions related to early closures, but continuing to comply with all other regulations in place to mitigate the pandemic.
This was announced to the media by the Minister of Tourism Najib Balala, citing a conversation with his colleague of Health Mutahi Kagwe, immediately after the official announcement of President Kenyatta regarding the total removal of the curfew from 10 pm to 4 am.
As a result, the 7 p.m. closing order for bars and nightclubs is lifted and so restaurants will not be forced to close at 9 p.m. either.
"All accommodation facilities have returned to normal in accordance with the protocols of the Ministry of Health) - Balala told The Star newspaper - quoting Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe who would have said "now everyone is free".
In fact, they point out from the association of bars and licensees of alcohol BAHLITA, it would not make sense to reopen the country and keep closed activities that with people in a position to go out will bring to the tax authorities millions of shillings in revenue every night.
There is satisfaction with the return of businesses that create jobs and revenue for everyone.
According to private sector associations like KPSA, the tourism and travel sectors as a result of the curfew have seen 3 million jobs disappear or enter the tunnel of precariousness.
These are mostly employees of hotels, pubs and restaurants, tour operators, airlines, travel agents and their related suppliers and support services. Not to mention the entire public and private transportation sector.
The country's discos and nightclubs are also celebrating: many of them had been closed since the end of March 2020. Some unfortunately will not reopen, too long a wait and no help from the government, especially for those who would have had to honor a rent in these months. Fortunately, many private individuals have come to the aid of their tenants, with deductions and missed monthly payments. The police, on the other hand, still yesterday, through its social channels, invited the operators to stick to the established times, waiting for an official statement that should arrive. In the meantime, for the first evening, a few more hours have been granted.