Kenyans can now heave a sigh of relief after transport costs slightly went down following the resumption of night travel.
Speaking to the press on Saturday, October 23, travelers noted that they were pleased with the opening of night travel with operators charging relatively low rates compared to the daytime travel.
They had lamented that a ban on night travel had badly ravaged their businesses.
Reports also indicated that travelers thronged Nairobi termini and began booking for night travel immediately Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia made the announcement.
"Night travel is good because now, the bus I have boarded is charging fair transport fare. That is what I have noted, had I traveled during the daytime, I could have spent more on the shuttle," celebrated a passenger.
"By lifting curfew, I can travel at night and arrive in the morning to carry out my activities," added another traveller.
Matatu operators were also jubilant that their fortunes would improve after the government lifted the ban on night travel that had limited working hour for more than a year.
"The other time, work volume was so low but we expect things to get better because many people were used to working at night. If you miss day time bus, you can get one at night and vice versa," stated a driver in Nairobi.
Macharia lifted the night travel ban on Friday, October 22, which had been in effect since March 2020 following the outbreak of Covid-19.
The CS however asked travelers to adhere to the Ministry of Health protocols, including hand hygiene and masking of passengers and crew at all times.
“Government shall continue to encourage you to comply with the provisions of the various relevant Guidelines put in place such as physical distancing; mandatory use of face masks while onboard and in public places; use of sanitizers; hand washing; rapid health screening; and other Covid-19 mitigation measures issued from time to time that has proved effective in controlling the spread of the Covid-19,” stated Macharia.
This came just days after President Uhuru Kenyatta lifted the dusk to dawn curfew.
On Wednesday, October 20, Matatu Owners Association chairman, Simon Kimutai, noted that the operators were cautious in allowing night travel.
He argued that they had to sensitise passengers on the availability of night buses and also plan accordingly to avoid first-time losses.
