Covid-19: Kenya’s Matatu Buses Struggle With Social Distancing
Transport plays a key role in keeping Nairobi’s economy moving.
Private minibuses known as matatus have become essential to many people who work in the city centre. But, the coronavirus social distancing measures introduced on the vehicles have proved challenging for the matatu workers themselves.
When the dreaded coronavirus began spreading across Kenya, the government acted promptly by putting stringent measures in place with the intent of curbing its spread. “Stay at home,” was one of the most emphasized phrases and for a moment this was observed, as most streets were noticeably empty.
However, this could not be sustained for long as the bulk of Nairobi city dwellers live from hand to mouth and staying at home became difficult for many to sustain. Now the streets are full again. People are out carrying on with their daily business and a range of matatus ferry busy commuters from place to place.
It is up to the bus conductors to ensure precautions to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus are followed.
Evans Mureithi, a 24-year-old bus conductor dances and performs acrobatic stunts to entertain the existing customers and attract more. Mureithi sanitizes the hands of his customers before letting them board the matatu.
“I have to sanitize my hands to protect myself. Before I begin my shift, I have to sanitize all the handles and surfaces in the matatu. I have to put on a mask at all times as some customers may refuse to board the matatu if I lack one,” he said.
To reassure passengers and ensure social distancing Mureithi reserves a seat for himself to sit alone.
Bus conductor Peter Mwangi says safety is a priority. “I ensure that I always sanitize my hands. You see I always have mine and it is a must. I am wary of the people I meet, greet or might carry. I always ensure that I put on a mask,” Mwangi said.
In a bid to ensure that social distancing is observed by the matatus, the government proposed the reduction of the carrying capacity by more than half.
A seat that would formerly carry two people is now occupied by only one passenger.
“We used to carry a capacity of 32 passengers but now it has been reduced to 15 passengers because of social distancing and this has caused us loss. The passengers too are suffering because of the fares which we have a little bit increased,” says Evans Okoth, a 30-year-old bus conductor.
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