Learners in Murang’a who were traveling home after breaking for April holidays on Thursday were stranded after Matatus hiked fares.
Since Wednesday some students were spotted loitering in Murang’a town claiming that Public Service Vehicles PSVs hiked fares. They were forced to call their parents to send money to cater for increased transport cost.
A spot check by KNA has established that most of the Matatu operators increased fares more than 50 per cent therefore causing challenge to learners.
Matatu operators on the other hand attributed increase of fare to recent increase of fuel prices. They also added that they have been incurring losses since most of their profit is consumed by fuel prices.
Since Monday this week, fare from Murang’a to Nairobi has gone up to Sh400 from Sh250. In other areas within Murang’a town, transport cost also increased tremendously something which has affected students.
Chairman of GMK Matatu Sacco Joel Mwangi stated that increase of fare was not occasioned by the number of students traveling to homes from schools, but it is due to the increase of fuel prices.
“Apart from the fuel, the Ministry of Health also directed us to ensure our passengers observe social distance so we also carry few passengers. As Matatu operators we are highly affected and currently we are struggling to survive in this business,” decried Mwangi.
He further said, “During this time when students are breaking for holiday we do not have other option but raise fare so that our vehicles get fuel and ensure learners get to their homes”
By Bernard Munyao and Julius Waiguru