Commuters in Kitengela, Kajiado County, woke up to a harsh reality on Tuesday as transport costs tripled following a nationwide matatu strike over fuel prices. With fares jumping from Sh100 to Sh300, many residents were left stranded at bus stages, unable to afford the sudden increase as they tried to get to work, school, and business in Nairobi.
Highlights
- Transport fares from Kitengela to Nairobi surged from Sh100 to Sh300
- Many commuters were stranded at bus stages for hours
- The hike followed a nationwide matatu strike over fuel costs
- Only a few vehicles operated, charging significantly higher rates
- Normal transport resumed in other regions, but Kitengela remained heavily affected
Main Story
Sudden Fare Surge Hits Hard
Kitengela residents were met with unexpected transport costs as limited matatus returned to the roads but at sharply increased fares. The cost of traveling to Nairobi rose threefold, leaving many unable to continue with their daily routines.
With most public service vehicles parked or operating at reduced capacity, only a handful were available and those on the road adjusted their prices significantly, citing the ongoing fuel-related disruptions.
Stranded Commuters and Frustration
Bus stages in Kitengela quickly filled with stranded passengers who could not afford the new fares. Many said they had no choice but to wait or cancel their travel plans altogether.
One commuter, Caleb Musyoki, expressed frustration after arriving early in the morning only to find fares had doubled and tripled, leaving him unable to report to work. Another trader, Joyce Wamboi, noted that the increased return fare made business trips to Nairobi almost impossible, especially for small-scale traders relying on daily income.
Limited Transport Options
While boda bodas and tuk-tuks continued operating within the town, they could not meet the high demand for longer-distance travel to Nairobi. This left commuters with few viable options, worsening congestion at stages and increasing waiting times.
Most matatu saccos had parked their vehicles, while others remained stationed at petrol stations as the strike conditions continued to affect operations.
Normalcy Elsewhere, Struggles in Kitengela
Interestingly, transport activity resumed in parts of Machakos County and along major highways such as Nairobi–Mombasa. However, Kitengela remained an exception, with fare hikes being the biggest barrier to movement.
Despite the disruption, police maintained a visible presence in town and along the Nairobi–Namanga highway to prevent chaos and maintain order.
Uncertain Future for Commuters
As the situation persisted, authorities and transport operators had not yet issued clear communication on when fares would normalize or when full operations would resume. For now, commuters remain stuck between high costs and limited transport availability.
