While many have decided to castigate the government for imposing the 16 per cent VAT on petroleum products leading to increased bus fares and other things, it is also good to look at the positive side of this fuel price hike.
The mass hysteria that this topic has come along with, has made many to overlook the benefits of this unpopular move by the government. But let's give the devil his due by looking at the light side of this ongoing debate.
So, what 'goodies' does this increase in fuel prices come with?
1. Reduced traffic jams: The traffic jam menace has been a thorn in the feet of the Kenyan government for long. The government has among other things tried to expand roads to decongest towns and cities across the country to no avail.
For instance, when Thika Superhighway was completed, many thought that traffic jam along this route would be history. They were wrong!
The road still experiences heavy traffic during rush hours because many people working in Nairobi and its environs migrated along this route and bought all manner of vehicles to chauffeur themselves to and from work. More vehicles on the road at the same time means more traffic.
With hiked fuel prices, roads will strictly be left to public service vehicles and those who can afford expensive fuel.
2. Pollution will reduce: Fewer vehicles on the road is good for our environment. Air and noise pollution will go down greatly which is good for our health.
3. Workers will report to work early: Those who cannot afford the hiked fares will definitely be rising at the crack of dawn to scramble for the early matatus which charge cheaply. Whether getting to work early will increase productivity, is a topic for another day.
4. Lifestyle diseases may start to go down in the long-term. Increased fuel prices means people will opt for other cheap means of transport especially while travelling over short distances. And which other cheaper means than walking or cycling? Both means exercise the body and keep it fit.
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