GOVT SENDS WARNING TO THESE KENYANS.

Matatu operators have been put on notice for hiking fares after President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the restriction of movement in 5 counties (Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, and Nakuru).
Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya announced that the government is cracking down on Saccos which have hiked fares.

He noted that it was baffling that matatu operators were taking advantage of the new restrictions without justified cause.

“What has changed between Nakuru and Nairobi that can necessitate an increase of fares? We are going to arrest all those taking advantage of the situation to siphon money from commuters,” he warned.

After President Kenyatta’s address, many Kenyans tried leaving the red zoned areas creating a demand which matatu operators cashed in on.
Fare from Nairobi to Karatina had shot up from Ksh 400 to between Ksh 1,500 and 2,000 while commuters paid as much as Ksh 3,000 to travel to Nakuru.

According to James Mwangi, a matatu driver, the demand for vehicles was high, and passengers were willing to pay any amount to travel to their destinations.

The enforcement of social distancing in matatus has also contributed to increased fares in various routes around the city.

Many PSVs had resumed carrying full capacity putting many Kenyans at risk of contracting Covid-19.

The first day of the revised 8 pm curfew in Nairobi resulted in heavy traffic along major roads as Kenyans rushed to beat the clock.
However, many were still on the road as late as 8.15 pm according to photos shared by commuters in the city.

Others reported sighting police officers patrolling estates such as Kasarani where residents spotted a police water cannon.

Source: EKenyan