The Athi Bridge roadblock on the border between Nairobi and Machakos has been moved to Koma junction in Matungulu to allow people access to their workplaces.
Interior CS Fred Matiang'i moved the roadblock on Tuesday after people complained.
Matiang'i said the move followed complaints by Kenyans who work from Nairobi about the inconvenience the cessation of movement in and out of Nairobi had caused them.
President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered a 21-day cessation of movement in and out of the Nairobi metropolis beginning Monday, April 6 at 7pm to curb the spread of coronavirus.
On Tuesday, hundreds of passengers and motorists were stranded at the Athi Bridge on Kangundo Road as the police enforced the ban.
Matiang'i, who was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai, said they had agreed to move the roadblock from Joska to Koma junction to ensure those working in Nairobi but live around Joska, Miraa and Kamulu are not inconvenienced.
"You can see we are responsible for this matter and it has been occupying us since Monday because people have been complaining that the roadblock was more into Nairobi county and cutting a population of Nairobi that is on the other side of the metropolis," the minister said.
Matiang'i said officers manning the roadblock will ensure no breach of the directives issued.
He said only cargo vehicles and food supplies will be allowed to move past the roadblocks.
"When we say we are allowing food suppliers you don't need to have a truck, canter or a pick up for you to be allowed to pass provided that you follow the protocol you will be allowed to pass. We have reasonable officers and they will weigh your case accordingly," Matiang'i said.
He said the officers will be allowing emergency cases provided that the passengers follow the given health measures to protect themselves from contracting coronavirus.
Matungulu subcounty police commander Kipkemoi Kirui said the officers stationed at the new roadblock which is 20km from Joska, have been having challenges monitoring the movement of passengers who have been sneaking into Nairobi county through shortcuts.
"We are trying to contain the situation but there so many shortcuts. We have blocked many but people still use the panya routes to cross over," Kirui said.
He urged residents to help each other and follow the directives to help curb the spread of coronavirus.
Edited by Peter Obuya
