
Audio By Carbonatix
Kenya has announced the first full recovery of a patient with COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has also ordered a curfew, pay cuts and tax reliefs in a range of measures to combat coronavirus.
In a televised address, President Kenyatta described the full recovery of the patient as encouraging news.
However, Kenya’s confirmed cases also rose by three to 28 on the same day.
To curb the spread, he ordered a daily curfew from 7 pm to 5 am local time (1600GMT to 0200GMT) beginning Friday.
Mr Kenyatta also announced a 100% tax relief for persons earning up to $240 (£202) a month, while the others will pay 5% less on income tax. There were also reductions on corporate and value-added tax.
The financial changes begin on 1 April and are subject to parliamentary approval.
Additionally, Mr Kenyatta announced voluntary pay cuts for himself and senior civil servants to free up funds to fight coronavirus. The president and his deputy shall take an 80% pay cut, while Cabinet ministers will volunteer 30% of their salaries.
He called on all arms of the government to join in by making similar voluntary reductions.
He also announced a $100m (£84m) cash transfer to cushion the country’s vulnerable population, including the elderly and the orphans.
All government personnel aged 50 years and above will proceed on leave or work from home. The order excludes personnel in the security sector and other essential services.
Latest Stories
-
Prudential Life settles GH¢100,000 medical bills under its PRUCares Valentine Experience Initiative
4 hours -
Wa West Picnic: Peter Lanchene Toobu champions peace, health and unity in landmark celebration
4 hours -
Dr Mensah Market flooded after downpour in Kumasi
5 hours -
Armed men reportedly storm Adjen Kotoku Onion Market amid tensions
6 hours -
Tecco Mensah writes: Why football fans must look beyond statistics
6 hours -
Police recover stolen Honda CR-V in Kumasi within 48 hours
7 hours -
Apetorku Gbodzi 2026 Festival opens in Dagbamete with development focus
7 hours -
President Mahama arrives in Lyon to co-chair One Health Summit
7 hours -
Beverly View Plus Hotel draws crowds amid coastal Easter rush in Volta
7 hours -
Maiden Zongo Festival held in Wa amid calls to tackle drug abuse among the youth
8 hours -
FDA warns of fake HIV test kits on Ghanaian market
8 hours -
Africa urged to build resilient health systems as donor support tightens
8 hours -
Easter gesture: Ablakwa settles medical bills for 85 North Tongu constituents
10 hours -
Africa must harness its population strength—Titus-Glover
10 hours -
Visa-free access doesn’t mean unlimited stay – Lom Ahlijah
10 hours