This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
July 10, 2020
Motorists in Nyamira town and surrounding areas are facing a severe shortage of petrol fuel, hindering their economic returns in the transport industry.
According to eyewitnesses, the fuel shortage has led to long queues at petrol stations, with many motorists being turned away after waiting for hours.
Amos Andama, a bodaboda rider from Kebirigo town, shared his frustrating experience with KNA. 'A colleague tipped me that there was petrol at Smart petrol station in Nyamira town, and I drove all the way intending to fully fill my motorcycle's fuel tank so that I can be sustained in business for at least four days. But I queued in vain because the pump attendant said the fuel was finished before I could be served. I'm so frustrated because I have fruitlessly wasted my fuel and time from Kebirigo.'
Reuben Onami, a taxi driver, also expressed his frustration, saying he had been contracted by a client to take his family to a funeral on Friday and thought it wise to draw fuel early at National Oil petrol Station. Unfortunately, he was told petrol fuel is not available, and he had to buy it from a broker at Ksh. 150 per litre.
As a result, bodaboda riders are now relying on willing motorists to buy petrol for them and pay them fare just to remain in business and continue serving their customers.
By Deborah Bochere
