News19 May 2026 - 11:24

Fare shock grips Kitengela as transport costs jump to Sh300

Nairobi-bound route affected as matatu strike enters day two over fuel prices

by GEORGE OWITI

Audio By Vocalize

Tens of passengers were stranded in Kitengela town, Kajiado County, on Tuesday, the second day of a nationwide matatu strike over high fuel prices, after a sharp increase in public transport fares disrupted movement and left many commuters unable to travel.

The main concern for residents was the sudden rise in fares, with the cost of transport from Kitengela to Nairobi increasing threefold. The fare has risen to Sh300 from the usual Sh100, forcing many passengers to abandon travel or wait indefinitely at stages.

A spot check by The Star early Tuesday showed that business had resumed in Kitengela town and along the Nairobi–Namanga highway. However, the transport sector remained heavily affected by the fare hikes.

Most public service vehicles belonging to various saccos were parked at the Kitengela main stage, while others were stationed at a petrol station within Kitengela Township in Kajiado County. The limited number of vehicles operating had adjusted their fares significantly, citing prevailing conditions.

Only a few vehicles were in operation, and they were charging up to three times the normal rates. Boda boda operators and tuk-tuks continued to operate within the town, offering short-distance travel options, but they were not enough to meet commuter demand.

Passengers were left stranded for hours as they tried to navigate the sudden increase in travel costs. Many said they could not afford the new fares, especially those commuting to Nairobi for work and business.

Caleb Musyoki, a resident of Kitengela, said he arrived at the stage at around 6.00 am only to be met with the revised charges. He said, "I am stranded here, yet I should be at work by now. The transport is now Sh300 up from the usual Sh100. I don't have money. What am I supposed to do?"

Joyce Wamboi, who was headed to Gikomba market for business, also expressed frustration over the increased cost of travel. She said, "This is serious. We are really suffering. Where should I get Sh600 to get to Nairobi and return to Kitengela?" She poised.

Major supermarkets within Kitengela remained closed at the time of reporting, while some offices and shops had not resumed full operations. Despite this, police maintained a visible presence along the Nairobi–Namanga highway and within the town to ensure order.

Elsewhere, normal transport operations were observed in parts of Machakos County, including Machakos, Mlolongo, Athi River, and Matuu. Traffic also resumed along the Nairobi–Mombasa highway, while the Nairobi Expressway remained busy.

The situation in Kitengela, however, continued to be defined by the sharp fare increases, which remained the key barrier to movement for many residents. Commuters said the high costs had disrupted their daily routines and limited access to work and business activities.

Authorities and operators were yet to indicate when normal fare levels and full transport operations would resume.