Kenyans yesterday welcomed a decision by President Uhuru Kenyatta to lift the nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew.

Lake Victoria Tourism Association (LVTA) chairman Robinson Anyal said the lifting of the curfew is a good move towards faster recovery for the hospitality sector which has been in recession for the last 18 months.

“Lifting the curfew will ease travelling at night, increase the amount of time spent in our restaurants, bars and even enable more meetings and conferences,” Anyal said.

Kisumu residents broke into song and dance after receiving the news that the curfew had been lifted.

Alex Odhiambo, a resident, said the move is going to boost tourism, transport industry and  ease operations for most businesses that had led to loss of jobs where those who lost their jobs are going to be called back.

Andrew Odhiambo, a courier delivery rider lauded President Uhuru for taking a bold step in lifting the curfew.

Andrew, who works for Nairobi-based Crucible Courier and Logistics said the business has struggled in the last few months. 

The company opened offices in Kisumu and Homa Bay but had to downscale early this year.

He said during the duration of the curfew he had suffered massive losses. “Ever since curfew was initiated, I have suffered a great deal because some times I would go home with as low as Sh250 but I am happy I will now make more money,” he said.

Pamela Achieng’ a fish monger at Kondele could also not hide her joy after listening to Uhuru’s speech.

Achieng told People Daily that police would occasionally harass them and force them to close down their businesses quite often.

“There was a time I was forced to leave my fish as I ran for my life since the police engaged us in running battles and after about one hour when they had gone, I could not find my fish. I lost almost Sh4,200 and I felt really bad,” she said.

The mood was the same in the Coast region with residents expressing delight at the news of the lifting of the curfew.

“Lifting of the curfew was long overdue. It has really affected our economy. Personally I can say this is great music to my ears because I work during the night as a bartender and on numerous occasions I have faced the ugly wrath of the police.

I have slept in police cells countless times,” said Ali Kombe, a bartender at Petley’s bar in Lamu Island.  – Stories by Noven Owiti, Viola Kosome and Reuben Mwanbingu