Kenya issues measures to reduce coronavirus on public transport system

The Kenyan government through the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development on Thursday issued new directives aimed at reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus through the public transport system.

While addressing the media and members of the public at Nairobi's Kencom bus terminus, Charles Hinga, the permanent secretary of the ministry, said that the directives should be strictly adhered to by commuters and public transport operators across the country.

"We would like to ask everyone especially those who operate and use public transport in the country to maintain respectful behavior which will greatly improve the safety for travel for all passengers following the confirmation of coronavirus cases in the country," Hinga said.

Among the new directives issued is the requirement that public transport operators who ply long distances keep a detailed passenger manifest to ease the tracing of individuals in case of exposure.

"To assist with traceability of passengers, long distance operators are encouraged to keep a passenger manifest with details. We hope over time to be able to address these challenges using technology as the government works with the transport sector to create platforms of coordination," Hinga said.

Hinga said that the measures introduced were reached after consultations with the National Transport Association, which represents private players in the transport industry.

The measures include commuters refraining from unnecessary trips and where possible, limit travel on foot or bicycle to a radius of between 0 and 5 kilometers radius. Commuters were also asked to maintain strict hand washing while maintaining personal hygiene.

Commuters also were asked to avoid extensive skin contact when traveling in public service vehicles and wear clothes that cover arms and legs. The general public was also asked to closely watch their personal health status and avoid public transport if they suspect they are ill.

Public transport operators were directed to frequently clean and disinfect their vehicles and to provide commuters with hand sanitizers before boarding vehicles. In the directives, Hinga also urged public transport operators to handle aged and elderly travelers with extra care by providing them with seats that minimize their contact with other passengers.

"Following these directives to the letter is the only way of ensuring transport services remain available and will continue to support socio-economic activities and trade," Hinga said.

On Wednesday, Kenya's health ministry confirmed three more cases of coronavirus, raising the number of confirmed cases in the country to seven. Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya's health minister, told a daily news conference on the virus that the three new cases include a couple who arrived in Nairobi from Madrid, Spain, through Dubai on March 4.

The third case is a Burundian citizen who arrived from Dubai and was isolated upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport due to a high body temperatures. Kagwe added that a total of 85 people believed to have come into close contact with the three new cases are being traced for testing.