Nairobi is heading to a lock down. It begins with transport. Nairobi transport is not a government entity and since the government announced measures to enforce social distancing in our Matatus, things have started being implemented by Matatu owners.
The burden of implication is now transferred to Matatu users whose earnings are not that much. Many Nairobi people are hustlers who wake up to make ends meet and those blessed to be employed are not also making millions out of employment.
If the government will not step in and offer incentives to socco operators, then there is no logic putting your vehicle on the road. The petroleum companies will not reduce their fuel for public transport.
This mathematics if the government will not come in with tax cuts, tax brackets for these players it is obvious the lock down is looming and there is no alternative but employees to stay home, hustlers to roam within estates, products and services to stall. Which way for city dwellers?
This Matatu playing Utawala route has given reasons why it needs fare adjustment. How will users argue their case. The argument will lose focus and may be degenerate into user apathy. Can the government provide alternative?
