A move by the National Youth Service to introduce cheap buses services that will be charging a flat rate of Ksh50 may be headed for a rock bottom.
This follows vow from fellow matatu operators who were seemingly angered by the move to bring down the NYS bus service and frustrate the efforts as was the case in 1988 and 1993.
Reports by The Star have quoted the Matatu Owners Association Chairman Simon Kimutai and Dickson Mbugua (Matatu Welfare Association) stating that they will "frustrate the initiative until it fails."
[caption caption="A bus belonging to the National Youth Service"]
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Their objection to the move comes shortly after NYS revealed the plan to deploy 27 buses, a move that envisions alleviating the commuter crisis in the city.
Heavy rains and flash floods have often seen matatu operators hike prices exorbitantly in most parts of the city.
The buses which are set to operate in Kibera, Githurai, Mwiki, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Dandora, Kariobangi and Kawangware would be a reprieve to many city commuters who are victims of high fares charges imposed by Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
The representatives said that they were worried that the move may be a strategic plan by the government to spoil their business.
Kimutai and Mbugua further questioned the possibility of NYS having complied with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) regulations on the routes to cover as required by the law.
The move is seen as a compliance with an earlier directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta asking the NYS to participate actively towards the realization of "The Big Four" agenda on housing, food security, affordable healthcare, and manufacturing.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta testing his sewing skills at a NYS facility"]
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Uhuru had instructed NYS to actively in manufacturing and agriculture among other sectors with the institution contracted to manufacture uniforms for the defence forces.
