It is evident that the government is not backing down on the implementation of the 16 per cent VAT that it has imposed on all petroleum products beginning September 2.
Unless President Uhuru Kenyatta intervenes upon his return from China, Kenyans will have to pay more in fares after matatu owners hiked fares by at least Sh20 beginning Monday, September 3.
From Thika to Nairobi and vice-versa, passengers who prefer to travel by buses may now have to part with up to Sh100 from Sh70 while those who use 14-sitter matatus may have to part with up to Sh130 for the same journey.
What does this mean for a Thika resident who travels to Nairobi from Monday to Friday for work or business? Well, he/she will have to pay an extra Sh1,200 per month to get to and from Nairobi as usual. Quite a lot. Isn't it?
So, if you are such a Thika resident, what options are there for you to ensure that you cushion yourself from the hiked matatu fares?
1. Wake up early. Matatu fares are always down in Thika for early risers. If you can manage to be at the bus stage before 5.30 am, you can be sure to pay not more than Sh60 to Nairobi. Before the hike, Kenya Mpya buses used to charge Sh50 to Nairobi during this time slot.
2. Don't board a matatu where you can walk. Many Thika residents are fond of boarding matatus and bodabodas even when travelling over very short distances. Save that Sh20 you 'misuse' while travelling over short distances for a bad day unless it is very necessary to board a matatu.
3. Work from home. There are some jobs you can comfortably do from the comfort of your house without having to report to the office. But some people opt to go to the office daily just to be seen to be working. Consider working from home and going to the office only when it is absolutely necessary.
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