Nakuru County Assembly closed for two weeks as COVID-19 cases surge

The Nakuru County Assembly will remain closed for the next two weeks following a surge in the number of COVID-19 infections in the county.

The County Assembly Speaker, Joel Kairu said measures would be put in place to have Assembly meetings held virtually.

“In view of the aforementioned and upon consulting with the house leadership, I wish to issue the following directives: All physical meetings including plenary are hereby suspended for a period of fourteen (14) days effective from 3rd November, 2020,” said the Speaker, in a communication released on Monday.

He further announced that all ward representatives will be required to, among other things undergo COVID 19 tests before resumption of physical meetings.

“The operations in the Assembly shall be scaled down and those in non-critical sections be advised to work from home. Finally, should the COVID 19 circumstances change including marked decrease in infections, I shall, with dispatch, issue fresh guidelines,” said the Speaker.

Over the past few weeks, Nakuru County has been among counties registering the highest number of new infections. Out of the 724 new cases announced on Monday, Nakuru recorded 46 infections coming in second after Nairobi.

“Honourable members, we are sitting on a time bomb and, therefore, it is our singular duty to have this bomb detonated through the strict adherence to all Ministry of Health protocols. As leaders in this County, we must stand to be counted in the fight against the virus. Although the issued protocols may. for now, appear punitive. sadly, we have little or no choice if we were to effectively address the pandemic,” added the Nakuru County Assembly Speaker.