This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
July 7, 2020 - Nairobi, Kenya
With the lifting of the lockdown in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera, Kenyans traveling from the capital city were met with high transport charges. President Uhuru Kenyatta had ordered the cessation of movement into and out of these cities three months prior.
At the Machakos Country bus station, matatus and buses resumed operations, but operators claimed they were yet to receive clearance from the Ministries of Health and Transport to comply with public health safety regulations.
Businessman George Saito, who wanted to travel to Webuye, was asked to pay Sh3,000, up from the normal Sh1,200 fare. 'The fare has drastically shot up and it is really affecting majority of the passengers who wish to travel back to their homes during this period,' he said.
Bus operator Mutua Kiema justified the fare hike, stating, 'We have to make money to survive in this business.' He welcomed the government's decision to reopen the country, saying, 'We have been without a source of income for such a long time now and it's a good thing that the roads have been opened.'
President Kenyatta had cautioned Kenyans to avoid non-essential travel, citing the high risk of the virus being exported. He emphasized the need for civic responsibility, saying, 'You the citizen must also do what is expected of you personally to achieve it.'
Kenya had recorded 8,250 cases and 167 deaths by July 7.
