LIVE BLOG: Uhuru address to the nation on Covid-19 crisis

UHURU: In the last 24 hours, we have conducted 704 tests out of which 9 were confirmed positive...We are grateful that we have seen innovations out of this crisis. For example, students at Kenyatta University are to be uploaded for making an inexpensive ventilator. No doubt other universities have not been left behind.

UHURU: I also want to upload local industries for filling the gap such as the Kitui Textile Factory and the National Youth Service. We also need to ensure that those who are engaged in this manufacture adhere to acceptable standards.

UHURU: We must expedite our ability to deliver assistance to the people. I want to upload the work being undertaken by the CoG and individual governors in the counties. We have agreed that governors will work with county administrators to deliver assistance to our people.

UHURU: We racing towards contributions amounting to Sh1 billion since we set up the Covid-19 emergency response fund. I also want to continue to thank and praise our health workers for the work they are doing, and our media who have shown patriotism and civic duty in their coverage.

UHURU: We also salute our hardworking and dedicated law enforcement officers. However, I must note that any breach done with the assistance of police officers, it risks the lives of Kenyans. Not doing your job, you must realise there will be consequences.

UHURU: In addition, to the mitigating measures announced over the other past month, I want to announce more measures towards Covid-19 containment.

UHURU: I am today directing the MOH and Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to design a special welfare programme for our healthworkers.

UHURU: The national government will also supplement efforts for counties to the tune of Sh5 billion. We have identified needy households in Nairobi that will benefit from weekly stipends. Some of the initial beneficiaries have received theirs. We have released Sh8.5 billion for the elderly. Sh500 million that were in arrears for those with special needs have already been disbursed.

UHURU: I want to assure you that we are formulating Kenya's post-Covid-19 economic plan. My team is also paying attention to critical national matters such as holding exams.

UHURU: We are in discussions with other countries for the suspension of debt. The AfDb, Africa Import-Export Bank have stepped up and offered credit facilities.

UHURU: I urge Parliament to expedite the passing of the measures we have announce to cushion Kenyans from Covid-19 effects.

UHURU: We are not out of the woods yet. We must protect our lives, our economy and national peace. I ask all of you to protect our families, our communities and our country.