Chairman of the Matatu Operators in Nairobi CBD, Jamal Ibrahim has revealed that extending the curfew to 8 pm will see them reduce their hiked fares.
Matatus around Nairobi have almost doubled their fares following the government directive that 14 seater matatus should carry 8 passengers per trip, while 25 seaters are allowed only 15 passengers.
In an interview with Citizen, Ibrahim pleaded with the government to extend the curfew by an hour, "To stop the hiking of the fare and flouting the curfew directive by the government.
"I urge the authorities to give dispensation to Matatu crew to at least finish duty by 8 pm."
Ibrahim, however, welcomed the directives aimed at maintaining social distance, "The transport sector is vital in the development of our country and therefore we need to create a synergy in fighting the coronavirus pandemic together.
"So we support restricting the number of passengers we should carry to facilitate social distancing."
Matatu operators have complained about the social distancing directive in their vehicles that has forced them to hike fares in order to compensate for the empty seats.
Hundreds of Kenyans were on Friday left stranded as they tried to beat the dusk till dawn curfew set by the government.
On Wednesday President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a nationwide curfew, "Effective Friday there will be a daily curfew from 7 pm to 5 am on all territories of Kenya."
Scenes turned ugly when the police used excessive force on Kenyans who were still out waiting for matatus to ferry them home after the 7 pm curfew.
A number of routes hiked their fares on Friday with the journey from town to Umoja costing Sh 200 from the regular Sh 80.
Matatus that left the city an hour before the curfew failed to return to the CBD creating a shortage as they feared to breach the curfew.
