This archive report was first published on 31 July 2020.
Published on July 31, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the passenger transport industry in Kenya.
Matatus have been forced to carry few passengers due to government-imposed containment measures, including social distancing rules and a night curfew.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's directives have made it challenging for matatu owners to earn a living, particularly those who took loans to purchase their vehicles.
However, a proposal to redesign 33-seater buses to accommodate 23 commuters could be a viable solution.
This redesign would enable matatu owners to operate profitably while meeting their financial obligations, ultimately contributing to the country's economy.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) should expedite the regulatory approval process for this proposal.
