This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
On June 26, 2020, the government allowed at least 400 truck drivers stranded at the Mai Mahiu dry port to proceed with their journey after a week-long delay in Covid-19 testing.
The delay was caused by a lack of testing kits and reagents at the newly opened Inland Container Depot, sparking fears among local leaders and residents that the area might become a coronavirus epicentre.
Naivasha sub-County Commissioner Mathioya Mbogo explained that the drivers would be tested at border points before delivering their cargoes to neighboring countries.
Mathioya admitted that the continued stay of the drivers in the town posed a significant risk to area residents, citing the high number of positive cases reported in Naivasha originating from the drivers in Mai Mahiu.
“Most of the positive cases reported in Naivasha have come from the drivers in Mai Mahiu and their continued stay in the area puts the lives of residents in great danger,” Mathioya said.
To address the issue, Mathioya announced that drivers would need to obtain certificates from their point of origin before collecting cargo from the Inland Container Depot.
The move followed the intervention of Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, who sought the president's help to clear the backlog.
