Commuters across Nairobi were on Monday left stranded and forced to walk to work after a matatu strike triggered by the recent fuel price hike paralysed transport operations in several parts of the city.
In Kawangware, hundreds of passengers waited for hours at bus stages hoping to secure transport to the Central Business District, while others opted to trek long distances after fares tripled during the morning rush.
Those lucky enough to board the few matatus operating were forced to dig deeper into their pockets.
“I have paid Sh200 from Wanye to town, a route that usually costs Sh60,” lamented one passenger who managed to get into the city centre.
Another commuter from Kibera described the situation as unbearable for ordinary Kenyans.
“I paid Sh150 from Kibera to the CBD, yet we usually pay Sh50 in the morning,” the passenger said.
Frustrated commuters accused the government of failing to cushion wananchi from the rising cost of living and called for urgent intervention to restore normal transport services.
The strike also disrupted operations for boda boda riders, many of whom had hoped to provide alternative transport to stranded passengers.
However, riders in Kawangware said they were being blocked from carrying commuters.
“It has been tough since morning. We are being stopped from carrying passengers. I have only made Sh100 since morning,” said one boda boda rider.
Another rider blamed the government for the worsening economic hardship brought about by rising fuel prices.
“The government is punishing us with these fuel hikes. Life is unbearable. Things are very tough for us,” he said.
The ongoing transport crisis follows the latest fuel price increase announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, a move that has sparked outrage among commuters and transport operators alike.
Many residents fear the higher fuel costs will not only push up transport fares but also increase the prices of basic commodities in the coming days.
