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Preachers, hawkers and beggars will not be allowed in public service vehicles in new regulations by the Ministry of Health. The regulations contained in the Kenya Gazette also dictate that all passengers be screened for body temperatures before boarding and the interior of the vehicle disinfected after every trip. Operators (Saccos) of the matatus have been tasked with taking and keeping a register of body temperatures of all crew members which should be available upon request by a public health officer.
“The crew of public service vehicle whose temperature is above 37.3 degree Celsius will not be allowed to operate the vehicle and the operator will immediately notify the county director of such findings,” reads the regulations by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe dated July 24, 2020.
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Operators are also required to ensure all crew are trained on the spread and prevention of Covid-19 and evidence provided to ascertain this. In addition to providing washing points, sanitisers and paper towels, passengers should also have their luggage disinfected. For passengers on long-distance- above 50 kilometres- their vitals must be taken and recorded.
The regulation dictates no passenger whose temperature is above 37.3 degrees should be allowed to board. The operator should also ensure no food or drink is served in the vehicle.
“A system for contact-free payment shall be put in place by the operator,” reads the regulation.
All passengers are required to be wearing a mask covering both the nose and mouth while on board.
