Employers ordered to release staff at 4pm - KBC

The government has ordered all employers to release non-essential employees not later than 4pm.

In a special gazette notice by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior of Coordination of National Government Fred Matiang’i, the order was made in respect to the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the President last Friday March 27 as part of measures to fight Covid-19 that has so far infected 81 people.

“To facilitate compliance with the order, all employers shall ensure that their staff who are not designated as critical or essential services providers leave the workplace no later than 4:00 O’clock in the afternoon,” reads the gazette notice.

The public order (state curfew) variation order was issued Wednesday in the wake of a passionate plea by the Health CS Mutahi Kagwe to employers to release their staff early to beat the curfew deadline.

The CS even asked employers to offer accommodation to staff who live in far flung areas and cannot make it home in time for the curfew.

The curfew however exempts staff listed as essential.

Many Kenyans have been up in arms against police brutality meted out on those caught outdoors after 7pm for no fault of theirs.

A section of those interviewed have been blaming their bosses for releasing them late and lack of public transport.

Meanwhile, President Uhuru Kenyatta has apologized to Kenyans following incidents of violence during the first day of the curfew.

President Kenyatta said the incidents were regrettable and urged Kenyans to adhere to the laid down protocols to curb the spread of the deadly Covid-19 disease.

The Independent Police Oversight Authority IPOA is probing at least three deaths attributed to police brutality during the curfew