The Madaraka Express trains operating between Nairobi and Mombasa were on Monday, April 6, withdrawn from operations following a statement issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday as the government heightened its measures to combat Covid-19
This marks one of the many sectors that will bear the heaviest brunt of the new directives.
"Madaraka Express trains operating between Nairobi and Mombasa withdrew after order on cessation of movement," Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga announced.
According to data released by the Kenya National Bureau of statistics in March 2019, the railway had raked in Ksh10 billion in revenue from passenger operations, income which has now been halted for at least 21-days.
Another major disruption resulting from the latest directive was the calling off of the National Assembly sittings slated for April 7 & 8.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, made the move following the cessation of movement order and went on to announce that urgent matters would be executed remotely.
Matatus and buses that ply inter-county routes will also be forced to forego a huge chunk of potential revenue following the cessation of movement in and out of the 4 designate counties namely, Nairobi, Kilifi, Kwale, and Mombasa.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a driver who also owns a matatu under the Kinatwa Sacco - plies the Kitui to Nairobi route, expressed uncertainty over his future, but expressed that the move was necessary to fight the spread of the virus.
"I am still in shock. This is one of my most profitable routes and I'm not sure what the next 3 weeks hold for me. However, maybe after this move, we can be able to contain this thing," the matatu owner who preferred anonymity expressed.
Major bus companies that had recently adjusted their timetables to adhere to the dusk-to-dawn curfew have now been forced to completely withdraw their services touching on the affected counties for the 21-day period.
Traders who rely on Nairobi and Mombasa as their key markets are also currently scrambling to find a way of adapting to the new measures in order to stay afloat.
However, the president highlighted certain commodities that would not be affected by the cessation of movement directive.
"I encourage our traders and farmers in fresh produce to continue with their agricultural activities, so as to ensure a continued supply of the farm produce to our markets. Such farm produce embody the diversity of Kenya includes; Rice, Beans, Maize, Potatoes, Cabbages, Miraa, Tomatoes, bananas, and other food items," he elaborated.
