Matatu operators in
Machakos County have called on the government to come to their aid since
business has almost come to a halt.
Speaking to journalists
on Thursday, the operators said the bus stop has turned into a parking lot since
they cannot come to Nairobi, leading to tough economic times.
They further stated that
they cannot afford masks and called upon the government to issue masks for free
instead of giving them condoms at public toilets.
“We can barely afford
food, how can we afford masks? Instead of giving us condoms at public toilets,
perhaps they should give us masks and sanitisers.
“We are suffering and
landlords are demanding rent from us. How will we survive?” asked one of the
drivers.
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Adding: “When I left my
house there was no food and I have not made any money today. If possible, the
government should distribute to the saccos. That way all of us will get something.”
On Monday this week,
President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that there will be cessation of travel in
and out of Nairobi for an initial period of 21 days to contain the spread of
coronavirus.
The move inconvenienced many
who said the President did not give them time to travel and as a result they
are now stuck miles away from home.
On Wednesday, Interior CS
Fred Matiang’i asked Kenyans to take the new measures seriously saying a casual
approach would be disastrous.
