Gideon calls for more measures to safeguard commuters

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi- pictured- has urged the government to urgently institute more precautionary measures in the public transport sector to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Gideon said the dynamic nature of the country’s public transport system poses a challenge in curbing the spread.

He called for training of representatives of matatu Saccos on basic prevention measures such as disinfection of vehicles, symptoms of the disease, how to respond when someone exhibits the symptoms on board and how to educate commuters on hygiene and social distancing.

"The dynamic nature of our country's public transport system poses a challenge in breaking the chain of spread and there is need to train representatives from matatu Saccos on basic prevention protocols such as regular disinfection of the vehicles, the symptoms of this disease and how to respond when someone exhibits these symptoms while in a matatu," read the statement by the senator. 

This came as the police impounded more than 20 matatus yesterday for lacking hand sanitisers, water and soap while the passengers were squeezed in Nakuru County.

The senator urged the public to cooperate and complement efforts by the government to combat spread of the virus.

He said Kenyans intending to travel to Kenya should be screened in respective embassies two weeks before their scheduled departure.

"Cognizance of the virus incubation period being up to 14 days, we can stop the vicious infection cycle by ensuring Kenyans intending to travel to the country are screened in respective Kenyan embassies, two weeks before their scheduled travel dates," read the statement. 

Gideon said the Government needs to map out potentially risk areas, establish their unique challenges and devise requisite responsive steps to combat the spread of coronavirus.