Thousands Stranded As Fare Doubles With Few PSVs

Thousands of passengers are still stranded across major towns in Kenya as public service vehicle (PSV) owners take the advantage to reap big from this festive season.

A look at various bus stations across Nairobi revealed the massive hiking of bus fares with hundreds spending the nights in booking offices waiting for the few available vehicles.

From Nairobi to Kakamega, most companies are charging between 1,800 and 2,500 shillings from the normal 800 to 1,000 shillings.

From Nairobi to Bungoma, most PSVs are charging between 1,500 and 2,000 shillings from the normal 800 and 1,000 shillings.

From Nairobi to Nakuru, passengers are paying 800 shillings, up from the normal rate of 300 and 500 shillings.

From Nairobi to Eldoret, most PSVs are charging between 1,200 and 1,500 shillings from the normal rate of between 800 and 1,000 shillings.

From Nairobi to Nyeri, passengers are paying between 500 and 900 shillings while from Nairobi to Nyeri, the average fare is 1,200 shillings.

Some fares within the city have also been hiked with those moving from Donholm to Nairobi’s CBD having to part with 100 shillings, up from the normal 30 to 50 shillings.

Those travelling from the rural areas to the city have something to smile, though not for long because most vehicles are still charging the normal rates.

From Kakamega and Bungoma to Nairobi, the fare is at between 800 and 1,000 shillings but it is likely to double immediately after Christmas.

The National Transport and Safety Authority has warned companies against hiking fare this festive season saying their licenses will be revoked but none of the threats has been taken into consideration.