A Section of Public Service Vehicles (PSV) operators using the Thika Superhighway have lamented over the government's plan to close sections of the highway ahead of Pope Francis' arrival in the country on Wednesday. The operators say that they are likely to lose out on customers since many may opt to remain indoors. The PSV operators have also said that they might be forced to use unfamiliar routes to access various towns within Thika and Nairobi.
“As much as we are happy that the Pope is coming tomorrow, we are worried because business in the next two days might be bad,” said Simon Gicharu, a PSV operator along Thika road.
Mr. Gicharu says that motorists should be allowed to access Nairobi adding that traffic police officers can be used to ensure the flow of traffic and security.
However, as PSVs complain, boda boda operators along the superhighway are preparing to cash in during the Popes visit. The boda boda operators are anticipating less PSV vehicles along the highway a move they say will force commuters to opt for bikes.
“We are highly anticipating the Pope’s visit which we know will be fruitful in terms of business,” said Abdi Noor, a boda boda operator along Limuru road.
On Sunday, the government announced that some roads will be closed during the Pope’s visit to the country.
The government spokesperson Manoah Esipisu in a briefing aired on TV stations on Sunday said that several roads including Thika, Mombasa road, Uhuru Highway and Limuru road will remain closed on Wednesday, Thursday and a better part of Friday.
The Pope is expected in the country on Wednesday evening for a three day visit where he will meet government officials, clergy, and youths and also conduct masses. Security has been intensified ahead of his visit with the government deploying over 10, 000 police officers according to Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet.