Nairobi residents raise concerns as bedbugs and cockroaches infest matatus
Commuters have expressed disgust at the growing problem, with some saying that the situation has become a significant deterrent to using matatus.
Bedbugs and cockroaches have become an alarming issue in Nairobi, with residents increasingly raising concerns about the growing infestation of pests in public transport vehicles (PSVs), particularly matatus and buses.
Some of the daily commuters told The Eastleigh Voice that these pests have now spread to several PSVs, becoming a major source of discomfort for commuters.
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These pests, often found in upholstered seats, are now crawling through the vehicles, biting passengers and making the daily commute unbearable.
Commuters have expressed disgust at the growing problem, with some saying that the situation has become a significant deterrent to using matatus as a mode of transport.
" At first, I saw a bedbug crawl on a person who was sitting just in front of me, I gasped and told him, but the conductor flicked it like it was nothing," said Njeri, a commuter.
"I was riding one of the popular matatus from Thika to Nairobi, just like any other work day. But after work, as I was unpacking my things at home, I noticed a cockroach pop out of my bag. I was initially confused, wondering how it had gotten into my house. But then it hit me, it must have come from the matatu."
Fumigate vehicles
Njeri emphasised the seriousness of the issue, urging matatu owners and sacco leaders to take immediate action by fumigating their vehicles to rid them of the pests.
"There is a lot of outcry, not only me, but a few of my co-workers have also noticed it. We are urging public service vehicles operating in Nairobi County to move fast to ensure they fumigate their vehicles. Bedbugs and cockroaches have become a major health and hygiene concern," Njeri said.
The Eastleigh Voice spoke to one of the matatu drivers operating on the Nairobi-Gikomba route.
"We are literally driving matatus that should not be on the road. In fact, you can see the state of the seats, some are torn, others are dusty. But you know that is not our work to clean them, it’s the owner of the vehicle. At the end of the day even if commuters complain, we cannot do anything,” he said.
Some commuters opt to use private means because of the escalating issue.
"I would rather use Uber or Bolt because I am so afraid of the bugs. I have ever been bitten by a bedbug and it was very traumatic – plus I hate cockroaches," Ismail Abdi said.
"The public transport system in Kenya has to improve, especially on its cleanliness, otherwise more people will turn to private ride service, and the issue will affect more and more commuters," he aadded.
This issue also extends beyond public transport.
There have been increasing complaints from Nairobi residents about rodents and cockroaches in local hotels, which has prompted the health committee, led by Nairobi County Chief officer for Environment Geofrey Mosiria to take a stronger stance on hygiene standards in the hospitality industry.
As Nairobians continue to grapple with these uncomfortable pests, it is clear that swift and decisive action is required to restore comfort and hygiene to the city's public spaces and businesses.
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