Passengers waiting to board a bus in Lamu.[Photo/barakafm.org]
The incessant terror attacks by suspected al-Shabaab militants in Lamu East have led to a rise in the cost of transportation in the region.Residents have raised concern over the ever-hiking fares in different areas such as Kiunga, Ishakani, Mkokoni and Kiwayu. The lack of passenger boats plying the area has worsened the situation, as the national and county government put in place measures to curb the attacks.Residents are now required to part with Sh20, 000 to hire a boat from Kiunga to Lamu Town. Muhashiam Famau, a Nyumba Kumi elder, on Thursday said that several roads including the Kiuna-Hindi road have been rendered impassable due to the increased cases of terror attacks. Famau also said that vehicles that used to ply the route are no longer available following the attacks that rocked the region. He said the attacks by al-Shabaab militants have made life unbearable for residents.“Al-Shabaab militants have made life so hard for us. Travelling is the biggest nightmare. Our roads are impassable due to the frequent IED attacks on vehicles. We can’t use the Lamu-Kiunga road because its currently under security operation by KDF and so we have been told it is out of bounds,” said Famau, as quoted by Baraka FM.On her part, Zulekha Kupi, an administrator in Mkokoni, said pregnant women and children are among the groups which have been most affected by the terror scares.