Bars and entertainment joints to be closed for census in this county

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has ordered the closure of bars and entertainment joints in his county during the first two days of the 2019 census.

The order issued on Monday directed owners of such facilities to ensure that the recreation facilities are closed on Saturday August 24, 2019 when the census is scheduled to begin and on Sunday August 25, 2019.

The order further places a curfew on shops, traders who operate in open-air markets, construction site workers and factories.

"To allow accurate collection of data during the forthcoming census exercise, I am directing that places of entertainment be closed in Machakos County, to allow families to be together.

"All markets, open-air markets and shops to close by 5:00pm on Saturday and re-open at 9am on Sunday.

"Factories, construction sites and other works to stop operation from midday on Saturday to 6am on Monday. These stoppages and closures are to give workers and others enough time to travel to their homes for the census activity," the notice read in part.

Employers ordered to approve off during 2019 census

The governor's notice further ordered employers to give their employees time off, failure to which will be considered unlawful.

"Employers should give their employees time off to travel home for this important national activity.

"Those who disregard these set times will incur heavy and punitive measures that may include cancelling of their business permits, arrests and heavy fines," the Governor warned.