This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
December 15, 2019, marked a day when many residents of Nakuru and Eldoret were supposed to travel to their rural homes to celebrate Christmas with their families. However, tough economic times have forced some to reconsider their plans.
Grace Nalaki, a teacher in Nakuru, had initially planned to spend Christmas with her extended family in Western Kenya. However, she could not afford the bus fare, which had shot up by 50-100 per cent. "I had planned to go spend Christmas with my extended family in Western, but I could not manage because the bus fares have suddenly shot up," she said.
Caroline Chemutai, who was planning to join her family in Kericho County, also faced a similar challenge. A spot check by The Standard revealed that public service vehicles have hiked fares to various destinations. For instance, matatus heading to Eldoret from Nakuru are charging Sh500 up from Sh300, while those heading to Kitale are being charged Sh1,000 up from Sh600.
Collins Asava, who was travelling to Kakamega, paid Sh1,500 in addition to Sh600 for the goods he was transporting home. "Fare to my home has increased and surprisingly, matatu operators are also charging for luggage," he said.
Unlike in the past years when the main bus terminus in Eldoret was overwhelmed with passengers, many have opted not to travel to their rural homes. Those travelling to Eldoret from Nairobi are paying Sh1,200 with those going the other direction parting with Sh800.
