Matatu operators have weighed in on various calls to resume the night travel operations in light of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s move to lift the nationwide curfew on Wednesday, October 20.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Matatu Owners Association chairman, Simon Kimutai, stated that PSV were in consultation over the matter but were cautious of resuming the operations immediately.
He argued that they had to sensitise passengers on the availability of night buses and also plan accordingly to avoid first-time losses.
“Kenyans are grappling with the effects of the pandemic. Most of them are not aware of the changes and it takes time to have the message cut across,” he played cagey.
Brendan Marshall, a traffic coordinator and MOA member added that night travels would probably resume on Thursday, October 21, upon consideration of all members.
Most buses and Saccos, he detailed, operate with bookings and schedules and would not jeopardise their plans as the President caught them off guard.
“We appreciate our President Uhuru Kenyatta for lifting the nationwide curfew. However, we still need to be extra careful and cautious. People must sanitize still and wear masks. We don’t want to revert all the gains.
“Night travel is set to resume after consultations. This will help the matatu industry get back to its feet as we incurred lots of losses,” Marshall weighed in.
An insider at Easy Coach concurred, stating that the company was expected to issue a statement on their night schedules after holding a meeting to discuss Uhuru’s decision.
In his speech, the Head of State also ordered Treasury, and Ministry of Petroleum and Mining to develop a framework for stabilization of petroleum prices by December 24, 2021.
“This will cushion Kenyans against the turbulence caused by the volatility in fuel prices,” Uhuru directed.
Matatu owners lauded the president stating that the intervention on fuel prices would aid the transport sector to fully recover.
Currently, petrol retails at Ksh129.72 in Nairobi while diesel and kerosene trade at Ksh110.60 and Ksh103.54 respectively.
