NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 23 – President Uhuru Kenyatta is calling on the private sector to institute measures to protect businesses and jobs, in the wake of adverse effects from the coronavirus pandemic.
In a televised address to the nation, the Head of State said he will be convening a sectoral meeting to announce mitigating measures to cushion individuals and businesses that may find themselves in financial distress.
Kenya is among countries that have announced tough measures, which are likely to slow down businesses, to prevent the spread of coronavirus pandemic that has so far infected 15 people in the country.
“We are currently also working on other initiatives to support our private sector during this difficult time,” the president said.
“Most importantly to ensure that they are able to continue to pay our hardworking Kenyans, who have been employed by them; but we would also encourage that our companies and business do also that which they can to support us and work with Government during this particular time,” President Kenyatta stated.
The President had last week announced that the National Treasury was preparing measures including tax reliefs, which will be unveiled in the coming days to cushion workers and businesses from the economic slowdown triggered by the Covid-19 outbreak.
Fears of contracting the disease has slowed down social activities in the country with malls and restaurants taking a hit, setting the stage for job cuts and reduced pay.
Lock-downs and entry bans imposed around the world to fight Coronavirus has hit Kenya’s horticulture and tourism.
