Transport Paralysed as Crackdown Begins

Transport was paralysed in the early hours of Monday morning as the multi-agency matatu crackdown kicked off in earnest.

Most public transport operators kept off the roads causing a serious travel crisis, especially in Nairobi.

Many commuters had shown up unusually early to avoid the anticipated public transport shortage.

This equally created another problem as the few Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) on the roads could not match the transport demands.

Commuters along major city routes including Jogoo Road, Thika Highway, and Waiyaki Way opted to walk to town as the transport shortage took a toll.

On the other hand, the few matatus on the roads hiked their fares exorbitantly with between double and triple the normal rates.

Some of the exorbitant fare charges as established by Kenyans.co.ke include Umoja to CBD Ksh350, Rongai to CBD Ksh300, Kangemi to CBD Ksh100 and Donholm to Mlolongo Ksh350.

There was also an increased traffic police presence on the roads as early as 6 am portending the onset of what is likely to be a serious crackdown.

School transport vehicles were the first culprits of the crackdown with several school buses impounded in the early hours of Monday morning.

Many commuters opted to drive to their destinations significantly increasing the number of private vehicles on the roads and consequently causing serious traffic snarl-up.