This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, fuel stations along the Eldoret-Uganda highway have taken a proactive measure to curb the transmission of the virus.
According to Philip Koskei, the head of strategy and administration at Stabex International, the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Uasin Gishu County, particularly among truck drivers, has prompted fuel stations to adopt a cashless system.
"We have been alarmed by the increasing Covid-19 cases in this region, especially along the highway, which is making our staff highly exposed to the disease due to the interaction with the long distance drivers," Mr Koskei said during the launch of the cashless plan.
He added that the risk of cash money being contaminated is high, and that credit cards can be easily disinfected, reducing the chances of spreading the disease.
Uasin Gishu County has reported over 70 Covid-19 cases, with most attributed to contacts with truck drivers heading to Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo, and South Sudan.
Bus companies plying the route have also adopted the cashless system, with Eldo Moc Matatu Sacco secretary Baraiwo Rono stating that they have subscribed to the cashless transaction not only for refuelling but also for payment of fare by their customers.
Kenya's Covid-19 cases have risen to 4,952 since March.
