This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya is not left behind in the fight against the disease. On May 11, 2020, the country reported 621 cases of coronavirus, with the government implementing measures to contain the spread.
One of the hardest hit sectors is the public transportation industry, with revenues slumping by 25 percent due to social distancing directives. In response, Kenyan youth Edward Mbogo and Bernard Adongo have developed an app called Myride Africa to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country's public transportation sector.
Myride Africa is a contact tracing app that allows Personal Service Vehicles (PSVs) and matatus to record the personal information of passengers. The app, available for download on Google Store at no extra cost, enables crew members to keep a personal record of passengers, which can be accessed by the government for contact tracing when required.
"The conductor records the ID number or phone number of each passenger whenever they board the vehicle. This information can be saved for several days and can be accessed by the government for contact tracing when required," said Mbogo.
Additionally, passengers can use the app to pay for their bus fares through M-Pesa, promoting cashless transactions. The app also allows passengers to track their trips, report incidents, and wait for their favorite matatus.
Mbogo and Adongo are currently in talks with the government to roll out the system nationwide, supporting the transport sector during this challenging time.
