The government has announced plans to introduce 50 more National Youth Service (NYS) buses in Nairobi.
Despite opposition from Matatu owners, the buses will be charging a flat rate of Sh20.
Public Service and Youth Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia told the Senate Roads Committee that once the buses join the current fleet of 24, the fare to designated areas may be pegged at Sh20.
“The National Treasury has agreed to procure several buses to help stabilise commuter fares, decongest the city traffic and restore discipline in the PSVsector.”
“We are concerned about the congestion of people at stages. We are charging Sh20 per commuter regardless of the distance because we need Nairobians to spend less on transport and to be left with some money to improve their quality of living,” she said.
Kobia maintained that NYS re-entry intothe PSV sector was triggered by an outcry from commuters who felt they were being exploited by private sector players.