Festive cheer on hold for some as Eastleigh matatus hike fares

As the festive cheer fills the air, Kenyans hoping to travel for the holidays faced a harsh reality – some matatu fares have taken a festive jump, defying the Matatu Owners Association's (MOA) plea for goodwill. While MOA urged members to maintain regular prices, a spot check by Eastleigh Voice in the bustling Nairobi neighborhood revealed a different story.

Matatus plying the Eastleigh-CBD route, normally costing Sh60, were demanding a hefty Sh100, leaving passengers fuming. "Last week, it was Sh60. Now they're saying Sh100? Where's the Christmas spirit?" complained Elizabeth Wanjiku, a frustrated shopper laden with festive goodies.

MOA Chairperson Albert Karagacha's call for restraint seemed to have fallen on deaf ears for some drivers. Their justification? The ever-high cost of living. "Fuel prices haven't gone down, spare parts are expensive, and we also need to eat," argued one driver, defending the inflated fare.

This dissonance cast a shadow over MOA's goodwill gesture. While some passengers commended the association's effort, others felt disappointed by the discrepancy between words and actions. "It's a good initiative, but if it's not enforced, what's the point?" questioned John Mwangi, a young man preparing for his upcountry trip.

Adding to the festive fray was MOA's call for responsible policing. Karagacha urged traffic officers to avoid unnecessary harassment of motorists, emphasizing road safety as the top priority. This came amid concerns about increased police presence during the holiday season, often accompanied by reports of petty extortion.

With conflicting statements and rising fares, a sense of uncertainty hangs heavy in the air. Kenyans hoping for a smooth and affordable travel experience this Christmas are left navigating a mixed bag of promises and ground realities. Whether MOA's plea for goodwill resonates with enough matatu drivers and translates into stable fares remains to be seen. For now, many Kenyans are left wondering – will their Christmas journey be merry or marred by unexpected expenses?

Eastleigh Voice will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on fare changes and developments related to matatu operations during the festive season.