This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
On July 10, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta lifted restrictions on movement into and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Mombasa, and Mandera counties, paving the way for a conditional resumption of public service vehicle operations.
As part of the conditions set for resumption, PSV operators have been compelled to operate under strict health directives, including leaving some seats empty. For instance, a 14-seater PSV is required to carry only 10 passengers, a 33-seater 18 passengers, and a 51-seater 30 passengers, including drivers and crew.
Commuter fares on key long-distance routes have risen by up to 67 percent. Passengers traveling to Mombasa from Nairobi are now paying Sh2,000 compared to Sh1,200 previously, while those headed to Kisumu from the capital city are parting with up to Sh2,100 against an old rate of Sh1,500.
On the Nairobi-Nakuru route, commuter fares have jumped to Sh700 from Sh400, an increase of 67 percent. PSV operators are also required to obtain special permits to enter Nairobi, Mombasa, and Mandera, which have been marked as Covid-19 hotspots.
Easycoach managing director Azym Dossa said the bus company would raise its commuter fares by between 25-50 percent when it resumes operations later this weekend or early next week. A 50 percent rise will see Easycoach charge Sh2,100 on the Kisumu-Nairobi route from Sh1,450 before its fleet was grounded in April.
At Mololine services, passengers are paying Sh1,800 to Kisumu, Sh1,600 to Eldoret, and Sh800 to Nakuru. The operator previously charged Sh1,200 to Kisumu, Sh1,000 to Eldoret, and Sh500 to Nakuru.
