• Matatu owners have rubbished threats by the government that those who will not have been vaccinated by December 21 will not get transport services.
• He said it is the worst time for the government to implement such measures knowing many Kenyans are set to travel for the festive season.
Image: JULIUS OTIENO
Matatu owners have rubbished threats by the government that those who will not have been vaccinated by December 21 will not get transport services.
Matatu Owners Association Chairman Simon Kimutai said the move will cripple the sector.
"Some of our crews have not been vaccinated. We feel pain having come from the Covid-19 pandemic," Kimutai said.
The chairman said other health measures such as wearing masks, checking temperatures and hand sanitisation should be adhered to.
"However, we should not deny people to travel," Kimutai said.
Kimutai spoke at Luke Hotel, Thika road when the association held its annual National Delegates conference.
He also took issue with vehicles operating illegally as public service vehicles.
Kimutai said they are not ready to enforce the directive.
He said the association is ready to spread the gospel about the need to have the vaccine and counter the narrative that had been spread pertaining to the safety of the vaccine.
Kimutai said 80 per cent of passengers have not been vaccinated.
He said it is the worst time for the government to implement such measures knowing many Kenyans are set to travel for the festive season.
CORRUPT TRAFFIC COPS
Kimutai also took issue with corrupt practices by traffic police.
Deputy officer Commanding Traffic Nairobi area Mary Kiarie said corruption within traffic is an issue of concern that needs to be addressed.
"It's very unfortunate and it's our concern. We have reduced in Nairobi but not to the level that is needed," she said.
Kiarie said not all officers were collecting bribes.
She however blamed some PSV crews for "giving bribes willingly".
However, the PSV owners want the government to establish Covid-19 vacation centres at all bus stations and matatu pick up points to scale up the vaccination exercise.
Kimutai said the move will enable matatu crew and thousands of Kenyans who use PSVs to get the jab.
"Let the vaccination be done at matatus stations. Our customers are ordinary people who rush to work get Sh300 or Sh400 to put food on the table. They don't have time to spend a day looking for the vaccine," Kimutai said.
Kimutai spoke during MOA annual national delegates conference at the Luke's Hotel in Nairobi.
The matatus owners boss they are ready to partner with the government to sensitize the public on the need to take the jab.
"We are ready and willing to pin posters or flyers on our vehicles to encourage people to take the vaccine," he said.
Kimutai however opposed the recent order by the Ministry of Health that the matatus sector deny services to customers who are not vaccinated from December 21.
He said the order is detrimental and would only serve to punish innocent Kenyans and cripple their business.
Edited by D Tarus