National Assembly and Senate sittings that were scheduled for this week have been cancelled following the cessation of movement in and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan area to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
In a joint press statement, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and his Senate counterpart Ken Lusaka said parliament sittings will remain suspended until further notice.
“As you are aware, the two Houses of Parliament are both scheduled to hold Sittings in this week… In the circumstances, it has therefore become necessary to inform you that it will not be possible to hold the Sittings of the Houses of Parliament as scheduled, until further notice,” reads the statement issued on Monday evening.
The Senate was set to hold a Sitting on Tuesday, 7 April, while the National Assembly was to convene on Wednesday, 8 April, 2020.
The Speakers, however, said that consultations are ongoing on how urgent business before the two Houses of Parliament can be transacted remotely.
“The Leadership of the two Houses is consulting and shall advise on the means by which urgent business that is before the Houses of Parliament shall be transacted remotely and Members shall shortly be advised on this,” said the Speakers.
The cessation of movement within the Nairobi Metropolitan area shall be for an initial period of 21 days with effect from 7pm on Monday, 6 April, 2020.
Movement in and out of Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa shall also remain banned for 21 days beginning 7pm on Wednesday, 8 April, 2020.
The Ministry of Health has since declared Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale COVID-19 infected areas.
82% of Kenya’s reported cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area; and 14% in Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa Counties
