Boon for personal car owners as matatus hike fares

On Monday morning, Ongata Rongai residents were left stranded as the government started implementing the “Michuki Rules” in a bid to rein in on road carnage that has claimed 2,626 lives this year according to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Most matatus kept of the roads leaving the commuters without private means of transport frustrated and unable to get to their workplaces on time.

Not a single of matatus popular with the youth (nganyas) operated. The matatus are notorious for flouting traffic rules including over speeding, overlapping and boarding passengers in excess but are nonetheless preferred by passengers for the short time at which they get commuters to town.

The shortage of matatus however was an opportunity for owners of personal cars who ferried the stranded commuters to Nairobi town at a fee of Ksh100 which was a relief for the passengers who were being charged Ksh150 by the available matatus.

Ian Ngugi, who ferried this writer to town in his personal vehicle said that whereas it is important to ensure that the “Michuki Rules” are enforced, the government should strike a balance to ensure that commuters are not inconvenienced.

“The main reason why I decided to ferry you guys to town is because I know that you are heading to work. It wouldn’t make sense to leave you stranded while I can help you,” said Ngugi.

READ: WHY KENYA AIRWAYS MIGHT LOSE MARKET SHARE TO REGIONAL COMPETITORS

Earlier, a spot check by Business Today had also established that many more owners of personal cars had also transported Ongata Rongai commuters to town at a cost.