Unlock the Country: Why Kenyans Are Pleading for the Reopening of The Country

Last year’s lockdown measures took a toll on many Kenyans financially. Kenyans were therefore hopeful that the economy would pick up this year.

The hashtags #UnlockOurCountry and #UnlockOurEconomy have been trending on social media for a couple of days now. Through the hashtags, Kenyans have expressed their concerns as making ends meet has become more difficult. 

This is following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent declaration of 5 counties as a Disease-Infected Area. The counties are Nairobi, Nakuru, Kajiado, Kiambu and Machakos and a cessation of movement into and out of the zone is in effect.

While some businesses are trying to cope, many are still finding it hard to stay afloat. This is because they relied on customers from beyond the zone.

Why is the UnlockOurCountry Hashtag Trending?

The hashtag is trending because businesses are finding it hard to continue operating due to the lockdown directives. Many businesses are facing dwindling revenues as they were depending on customers coming from different counties.

Hence, they are calling on the government to ease the restrictions.

What Industries Are The Most Affected By The New Lockdown?

The hospitality, entertainment and tourism industries are the most affected by the new lockdown and curfew directives. Many hotels within the counties have reported cancelled bookings, hence decreased earnings. 

Business has therefore slowed down with the ease of movement.

How Many People Are Likely To Lose/Have Lost Their Jobs Due to The Lockdown?

An estimated 250,000 people are likely to lose their jobs as a result of the lockdown and curfew measures. These numbers collectively account for workers in the hotel, accommodation and catering industries within the counties.

This is according to the Bar Hotel and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA). They further estimate that over 20,000 restaurants face closure due to low revenues. 

The figures were released by the association’s Secretary General Boniface Gachoka.

“The moment the President made the announcement, all employees were declared redundant. Only a few remained including security people manning the buildings” 

He said.

He further estimates that over 14,500 bars in the 5 counties have been closed since the measures were put in place.

Kenyan Celebrities that Have Backed the UnlockOurCountry hashtag

The movement has received backing from a number of Kenyan celebrities who also feel that the lockdown measures are hurting the economy.

I would love to say Happy New Month but with so many Kenyans struggling to make ends meet; there is little to be happy about. We are alive; and to the Most High we are Thankful; but GOK wake up and listen to the cries of your people #UnlockOurEconomy pic.twitter.com/8v6CxmxFZL

— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) April 1, 2021

 

My Name is Dj Xclusive an entertainer who needs to work and feed my family and myself #UnlockOurCountry pic.twitter.com/QobPT0UeIa

— #ThePeoplezDj (@xclusivedeejay) March 30, 2021

 

 

“I am Gabu,I am an artist/a father . #UnlockOurCountry pic.twitter.com/fLQM8DfZBS

— Gabu p unit bugubugu (@buganyapunit) March 30, 2021

 

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/nAdnQaueCN

— #TeamShaffie (@ShaffieWeru) April 1, 2021

 

I am Dr.Ofweneke,I am an Mc/Comedian/Tv Host #UnlockOurCountry pic.twitter.com/R7kAhzhmTL

— The Eagle Himself (@DrOfweneke) March 30, 2021

 

#Unlockourcountry we need to work, we have families to support, we can still work which observing prevention protocols pic.twitter.com/0FWrEEUFpq

— Life of the Party (@DjProtegeKenya) March 30, 2021

 

My advice to Uhuru Kenyatta, please listen to Kenyans. This hashtag is boiling up. It’s not the normal hashtags we push. Some of us even ran away from Twitter but we are forced to come back just to add our voice. We are TIRED!!!! #UnlockOurCountry

— Xtian Dela™ (@xtiandela) March 31, 2021

 

Mr President, you were so quick to lock things down.. but my question is .. HOW WILL WE PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE ? #unlockourcountry pic.twitter.com/myBOaEk1Cp

— Creme De La Creme (@cremedj) April 1, 2021

What Do Kenyans Think About the Lockdown? screenshot of some remarks by Kenyans.

Many Kenyans are calling on the government to ease lockdown restrictions so as to spur business activities.

On the 31st of March, Kenyans working in various industries affected by the lockdown held a protest in Nairobi.

 

This spurred a conversation online with regard to the effect the lockdown measures are having on people’s livelihoods.

I work as a waitress at Alfajiri grill kilimani.Prior to surge in numbers there were political gatherings all over in the name of pro & anti BBI.Unfortunately me and other low class kenyans are paying for this carelessness by losing our jobs #UnlockOurCountry
Nairobi Hospital pic.twitter.com/60Dc87A3lp

— Miss (@wabs93D) March 31, 2021

 

Dear Uhuru Kenyatta,
I'm once again jobless due to your reckless decisions!#UnlockOurCountry pic.twitter.com/9iLK0AqKA3

— Leakey Lekishon Lesilantoi™ (@Lesilantoi) March 31, 2021

 

https://twitter.com/Daisykenyan/status/1377477945791541249

https://twitter.com/ndelevagabriel/status/1377460492361420800

So locally were preventing third wave from spreading until further notice, while international flights are on#UnlockOurEconomy

— Bevalyne Kwamboka (@bevalynekwambo3) April 1, 2021

However, some believe the measures should not be eased as this would make the pandemic even worse.

https://twitter.com/BarbraAnyango/status/1377483509519036416

How Long Is The New Lockdown Likely To Last? 

The containment measures announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta on 26th March will be in effect for 30 days. Any further changes will depend on whether or not the measures will have made an impact. 

“The measures are temporary and necessary to contain the spread of the disease and therefore to stop further loss of life”.

said Kenyatta.

Do you think the President will heed to Kenyans’ calls and ease these restrictions? Should he ease the restrictions or is he right that they are necessary to contain the spread of the virus?

Let us know in the comments and as always, keep it C.O.K.