Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua has directed that all businesses in the county be closed on the eve of the census.
Governor Mutua ordered that bars and joints that predominantly sell alcohol or engage in entertainment be closed from 6am on Saturday, August 24 until 6pm on Sunday, August 25.
He further instructed that all markets and shops to close by 5pm on Saturday, August 24 and reopen at 9am on Sunday, August 25.
Factories, construction sites and other works will also be required to stop operations from Midday, August 24th until 6am on Monday, August 26.
“These stoppages and closures are to give workers and others enough time to travel to their homes for the census activity,” said Mutua.
He warned that any violation of the directive will be met with punitive measures including cancellation of business permits and arrests.
“Those who do disregard these set times will incur heavy punitive measures that may include canceling of their business permits, arrests and hefty fines,” added the governor.
Ward administrators and county administrators have been directed to ensure full compliance of the executive order.
Meanwhile, Governor Mutua has urged Machakos residents who work and live out of the county to travel home to the county for census so as to be counted at their homes.
“Census is important for allocation of funds and development funding. I again urge those who work out of town to make arrangements and go back to their villages to be counted because when they are counted in other counties they are denying Machakos their rightful finance allocations,” he said.
