NAIROBI, Kenya July 25 – The National Assembly is set to suspend its Tuesday and Thursday sittings effective August 5, as part of measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
In the latest alteration of its calendar, the lawmakers will only be sitting on Wednesdays morning and afternoon.
The directive was arrived following a meeting of the House Business Committee which is chaired by Speaker Justin Muturi.
“Taking cognizance of the recent rise in the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the Country, this House resolves to further alter its Calendar for the Fourth Session,” the July 28, 2020 Order Paper on the intended changes reads in part.
The legislators, who are on a short recess are expected to resume next week on Tuesday
Traditionally, the National Assembly holds afternoon sittings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Wednesday having morning and afternoon sessions.
Speaker Muturi is expected to communicate the new changes on the floor of the House on Tuesday.
The move by the House comes barely days after Speaker Muturi suspended committee meetings, unless they are held online.
Muturi clarified that committees that seek to have physical sittings must get his approval.
In the Executive arm of the government, Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua directed all government ministries and departments to strictly ensure social distancing, by limiting the number of people in offices.
This follows an increase in the number of coronavirus infections in the country which was well over 16,000 Friday, including government officials in various ministries.
Government Spokesman Cyrus Oguna is among state officials recovering from COVID-19.
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