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The Council of Governors (CoG) yesterday announced the postponement of the Seventh and final annual Devolution Conference citing escalating Covid-19 infections.

Chairman Martin Wambora told a press conference at COG headquarters in Nairobi that owing to a presidential directive issued on August 18, vide Public Order No. 5 of 2021 on Coronavirus pandemic suspending all public gatherings and in-person meetings.

“The Steering Committee of the seventh and final Annual Devolution Conference hereby notifies members of the public on the inevitable postponement of the Devolution conference,” Wambora, who doubles up as Embu governor said in a press statement.

 “The Steering Committee shall communicate on the new dates in due course,” Wambora added in the statement.

On Wednesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta extended the ban on all physical and in-person public gatherings and meetings, including political rallies and campaign meetings for impending by elections are also suspended for a further 60 days.

 Further, Uhuru directed that all other social gatherings, including weddings, funerals and all other similar events or ceremonies, shall strictly adhere to the 100-person attendance limit as prescribed.

The President said the review was occasioned by the exponential rise in infection rates across several counties, due to unrestrained gatherings and congregations, in breach of guidelines as issued by the Ministry of Health.

This came as the High Court ruled that the ban on public gatherings is unconstitutional, throwing the country into confusion.

Yesterday,  Wambora urged all residents of Makueni County and the neighboring Counties to continue with the vaccination exercise in readiness for the conference.

He urged Kenyans to strictly follow the Covid-19 containment protocols and get vaccinated following a spike of infections and deaths

“We must appreciate that we are living in unprecedented times which require all of us to put our health first and that of others for the safety and prosperity of our country,” he held even as he thanked  CoG partners, delegates and stakeholders who were committed in delivering a successful and safe conference.

He urged Kenyans to get vaccinated in any of the accredited health facilities, adhere to all the health protocols issued by the Ministry of Health.