Kenyans are likely to pay more for public transport, as the sector stares at possible cuts following government directives to curb the spread of coronavirus.
A spot check by KBC revealed that some PSV’s had hiked the prices upwards on Monday morning but were still observing the limit rule on passengers.
Some of the routes that have seen fares increase include Embakasi-Town (Embassava) from Ksh 70- Ksh 100, Ruaka-Ndenderu-Town which saw fares adjusted Ksh 10 upwards to Ksh 80.
The matatu operators are however decrying that operations may not be sustainable in the long haul because their expenses at the moment surpass their profits.
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Announcing a new raft of measures on Friday, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe directed 14-seater matatus to carry a maximum of eight passengers, 25-seaters to carry 15, buses whose sitting capacity is 30 and above to have 60 percent sitting capacity.
Matatu Owners Association Chairman Simon Kimutai on Sunday said even though they support the government on the fight against coronavirus, the matatu industry cannot perform below its cost accusing Kagwe of making the announcement without consulting.
Meanwhile, diaspora remittances to Kenya are expected to fall to the lowest level this year, following the consequences of the lockdown in Europe due to coronavirus.
Last month Kenyans living abroad sent home Ksh 23 billion, a drop from Ksh 26 billion sent in January.
Last year, cash sent from abroad stood at Ksh 280 billion.
Diaspora remittances have grown to become Kenya’s largest foreign exchange earner, largely contributing to the country’s forex reserves aimed at stabilizing the shilling.
A report by Cytonn Investments shows with Europe feeling the effects of coronavirus pandemic, the decline in economic activities globally will result in a massive reduction in disposable incomes.
Covid-19 has so far killed over 10,000 people globally, while Kenya has so far reported 15 cases, following an announcement of eight more cases on Sunday.
