March 19, 2024

Relax COVID19 Directives, Tuk Tuk Operators Plead

Tuk tuks on stage. Image: (Courtesy)

By PETER KOMBE

Email: thecoastnespaper@gmail.com

Transport stakeholders in the Tuk Tuk sector have called on the government to review its directive of carrying one passenger per trip  citing a decline in their daily income.

Speaking to the media in Mombasa on Wednesday, Coast Tuk tuk Operators Welfare/ COTOWE Secretary General Piuz Makani said daily income gained cannot suffice the needs of both Tuk tuk owners and drivers.

The SG further wants the government to allow them carry at least two passengers.

“Looking at the status quo the standard of living has gone up. As operators we have taken into consideration all the directives in combating the spread of COVID19 pandemic,”

Makani called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i to listen to their cries and at the same implore on the security personnel to stop harassing them.

According to him, most of the operators have abandoned the sector, a move he cites has led to idleness amongst the youths.

At the same time, Ali Mohammed COTOWE Chairperson appealed to the county government of Mombasa to reduce its parking fees from sh1200 to a range of between sh500 to sh600.

“The current sh1200 parking charge is too high for us to bear. This is because of the harsh economic experienced throughout the country,” he noted.

He also recommends for a complete waiver of the same if possible.

Mohammed however says most of the operators have abided by all the directives issued by the government.

A Tuk Tuk driver being harrassed by a police officer. Image: Courtesy)

“Our drivers have complied with all the directives issued. This include having sanitizers in our Tuk tuks, maintaining a social distance and wearing face masks,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Jacob Mwendwa Kenya Boda Boda tuk tuk and tax workers Union Mombasa branch called on county governments to review their parking charges.

He says most of the Tuk Tuks have ceased to operate following the harsh economic bite currently experienced throughout the county.

Mwendwa lamented that he cost of living has gone up and feeding of their families has become a problem.

 “We are earnestly appealing to  the county government  to waives off the parking fees or reduce them,” Said the chairman.

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