Hundreds of commuters in Kitengela faced a difficult morning on Tuesday as the nationwide matatu strike entered its second day, causing sharp fare increases and major transport disruptions.
Passengers travelling from Kitengela to Nairobi woke up to shocking fare hikes, with matatus charging up to Ksh 300 for a trip that normally costs around Ksh 100. Many people could not afford the new prices and remained stranded at bus stops for hours.
The strike started after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a steep increase in fuel prices last week. Diesel prices in Nairobi rose above Ksh 240 per litre before the government later revised them slightly downward following public pressure and protests from transport operators.
Matatu owners and drivers say high fuel prices, taxes and operating costs have made it difficult to continue business without increasing fares.
In Kitengela, only a few matatus operated on Tuesday morning while many vehicles remained parked at bus stages and petrol stations. Boda boda riders and tuk-tuk operators continued working, but they could not fully handle the large number of commuters trying to reach Nairobi.
Caleb Musyoki, a resident, said he arrived at the stage before 6 am but failed to get affordable transport.
“I should already be at work, but I cannot raise Sh300 for transport alone,” he said.
Joyce Wamboi, who travels to Gikomba market for business, also expressed frustration over the rising costs.
“How do I get Ksh 600 for going and coming back?” she asked.
The transport crisis also affected businesses in Kitengela. Some supermarkets and shops delayed opening, while many workers reported being late to their jobs.
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Meanwhile, police officers continued patrolling Kitengela and the Nairobi to Namanga highway to maintain order after protests turned chaotic in some parts of the country on Monday.
Government officials have continued talks with transport stakeholders, but operators insist they want a bigger reduction in fuel prices before ending the strike.
