Students, passengers stranded as matatus hike fares in Kitui

Usually, the matatus charge Sh500 from Kitui to Nairobi

In Summary

• Most of them were left stranded at the station as they could not afford the new prices set by the public service vehicles.

• One of the matatu drivers said the hiked fare prices were due to the increased fuel prices following the passage of the Finance Act 2023.

by LUCY MUMBI
InPictures
09 August 2023 - 17:18
Passengers and mostly secondary school students stranded at the Kitui town bus park on August 9, 2023 after schools closed for term two holiday.
Passengers and mostly secondary school students stranded at the Kitui town bus park on August 9, 2023 after schools closed for term two holiday.
Image: PAUL MUTUA

Passengers and students heading to Nairobi were on Wednesday shocked after matatus at the Kitui bus park hiked their fares to the capital, a move they never anticipated.

Most of them were left stranded at the station as they could not afford the new prices set by the public service vehicles.

Usually, the matatus charge Sh500 from Kitui to Nairobi, however, passengers had to pay Sh600 to reach their destination.

According to passengers, the matatus had increased bus fares due to high demand as most schools are closing for second term holidays.

"We have been stranded here since morning. The matatus have increased the fares and with this economy, we cannot afford," one of the passengers said.

Students negotiating bus fare prices at the Kitui town bus park on August 9, 2023.
Students negotiating bus fare prices at the Kitui town bus park on August 9, 2023.
Image: PAUL MUTUA

One of the matatu drivers said the hiked fare prices were due to the increased fuel prices following the passage of the Finance Act 2023.

Passengers stranded at the Kitui town bus park on August 9, 2023 due to hiked bus fare prices.
Passengers stranded at the Kitui town bus park on August 9, 2023 due to hiked bus fare prices.
Image: PAUL MUTUA
A woman and her children stranded at the Kitui bus park on August 9, 2023.
A woman and her children stranded at the Kitui bus park on August 9, 2023.
Image: PAUL MUTUA
Passengers and students flock Kitui town bus park on August 9, 2023.
Passengers and students flock Kitui town bus park on August 9, 2023.
Image: PAUL MUTUA

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09 August 2023 - 17:18

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