A section of Kibera residents travelling upcountry for Christmas are stranded due to the high fares charged by public service vehicles.
Speaking Tuesday morning at Laini Saba matatu stage, some travellers termed the hike in fares unfair.
“This is abnormal, how come I am asked to pay Sh700 to Nakuru unlike other days when I pay Sh300 only. I have been told to pay for my bag too, I am not happy with this; I would rather remain in Nairobi and celebrate Christmas here. It is not my wish not to join my family members at home for Christmas holiday,” lamented Margret Muthoni.
“I have been forced to pay Sh800 unlike before where I pay Sh400 to Narok. This is a bad habit whereby matatus hike fares during Christmas season. I wish the transport sector stakeholders looked into this matter keenly. We are being overcharged,” said Dennis Mutai.
Wilfred Onsinyo, a matatu conductor who plies the Nairobi –Narok –Kisii route said the rise in fares is due to the increased number of passengers travelling upcountry for the Christmas holiday.
“I know people have got money, some have been given Christmas bonuses and vouchers from their workplaces and this makes them to afford their transport to their respective homes,” concluded Onsinyo.