West Pokot residents have decried the hiked fares following the reopening of schools. They’ve said matatu operators have increased charges and are taking advantage of the resumption of learning, ignoring the fact that parents are facing tough economic times due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Abraham Kibet, who led the protests by parents, said they have given motorists a two day ultimatum to reduce fares, or else they’ll close all matatu offices. They singled out Great Rift PSVs, who’ve increased charges from Kshs 1,500 to Kshs 2,500 from Kapenguria to Nairobi, “We’d rather use private vehicles to travel to Nairobi. You better shut down your offices rather than take advantage of the situation to strain students,” he said.
He added that parents are forced to sell goats just to get transport money. Matthew Pkiach, who was taking his sick child to the Kenyatta National Hospital made known his frustrations, “I can’t afford to pay the Kshs 5,000 to Nairobi,” he said, “It hurts but I’ve no other option.”
Another resident, Moses Cheparer said the County government should revoke the licenses of matatu operators who hike fares, “We don’t want corrupt cartels in our County.” Lincoln Sam on his part said the charges being imposed are unrealistic and unreasonable, saying they should be reversed, “Otherwise we will list all the number plates and the vehicle owners on social media,” he stated.
