Kenyans Pay Through the Nose as Matatu Operators Make a Kill

As Christmas beckons, Kenyans across the country as paying through the nose as matatu operators take the opportunity to hike bus fares.

A random check across various stations in Nairobi showed thousands of stranded Kenyans set to travel upcountry to join their loved ones for Christmas celebrations.

From Nairobi to Kakamega, bus fare rose from between 800 and 1,000 shillings to between 2,500 and 3,000 shillings, an increase of between 250 and 300 percent.

From Nairobi to Karatina, the bus fare increased from 250 shillings to 800 shillings, an increase of 200 percent.

“I have been forced to terminate my traveling plans. The few available vehicles are charging three times more than the normal rate and what is shocking is, people are scampering for them. When the demand is higher than the supply, what do you expect?” Said Ruth Wairimu who was set to travel to Karatina on Saturday.

Thousands of Kenyans could be seen stranded at Nairobi’s busiest country bus as they waited for vehicles.

Conmen took the opportunity to prepare their own tickets to con unsuspecting and frustrated travellers.

“We came here at 5 am, paid and were given a ticket but since then, we haven’t seen the person who took the money,” said one of the passengers who had paid 7,500 shillings for her and her family.

Every Christmas season, matatu operators often use the occasion to make a kill for money as they hike bus fares. There are no clear regulations to guide on how one should charge for bus fare leaving the passenger at the mercy of matatu owners.

“This is stealing from Kenyans. Something should be done, but again, this is a free market and banditry rules,” said Jane Namarome, who was lucky to get a bus from Nairobi to Webuye.

It is estimated that more than 50,000 Kenyans have travelled upcountry in the past one week alone.