Matatu operators urge government to supply masks in PSVs

Matatu operators urge government to supply masks in PSVs

The Association of Matatu Operators is appealing on the government to distribute masks in public service vehicles (PSVs) to protect passengers from contracting the coronavirus especially those who cannot afford the masks.

The Association’s Chairman Jamal Ibrahim says they have so far distributed 30,000 masks to drivers and conductors countrywide and are now calling for collaboration from the government to have more masks availed for distribution across the  transport sector.

According to Ibrahim the matatu sector is ferrying more about 1.5 million passengers per day in Nairobi.

“For instance if you tell a passenger to pay Ksh.50 bob fare then again require them to part with a Ksh.100 for a mask that becomes difficult for some passengers. So we are urging the national and county government to weigh in and provide masks in the matatu industry,” said Ibrahim.

He was speaking in Thika as he led a team from the matatu association in supervising compliance of  PSVs to the measures set in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Matatus are ready and they are complying to the government rules in this fight against COVID-19,” said Association of Matatu Operators boss.

Kenya on Tuesday confirmed 8 more cases of the new coronavirus, bringing the tally of confirmed cases to 216.

The Ministry of Health CAS Mercy Mwangangi also noted that the virus has now started spreading to the Kenyan counties.

Counties which have reported cases of the virus are as follows: Nairobi-101, Kilifi-10, Mombasa-34, Nakuru-5, Mandera-6, Kiambu-7, Laikipia-2, Kisii- 1, Kitui- 2, Kajiado-2, Muranga-2, Homabay-1, Kakamega-2, Nyamira-1, Nyandarua-2, Nyeri-1, Uasin Gishu-2, Vihiga-1 and Kwale-1.

 

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