Students from different schools on Wednesday, July 13, flocked bus stations as they sought to travel back to school ahead of the second term reopening.
The high number of travelers in major bus stations culminated in hiked fare prices. Matatu operators plying different routes in the country celebrated the high demand - arguing that it was their time to recover from the low turnover the sector has experienced in the recent past.
In Machakos, for example, matatu fares were increased by up to Ksh100 owing to the high number of students seeking to travel.
“We have been in a recession, but now is a good opportunity to reap. There are many students and parents traveling right now,” a matatu operator in Nairobi was quoted by state broadcaster KBC.
Some operators, however, declined to hike the fares arguing that the country was experiencing an economic crisis and as such hiking fares would inflict more pain.
“Some have adjusted fares but we decided not to because the people seeking to travel are facing harsh economic times. They are the same people who use our services,” remarked Stephen Ndung’u - a matatu operator.
This increase in matatu fares is a pinch to an open wound for parents and guardians who are striving to raise school fees for the learners.
The country is grappling with tough economic times characterized by the high cost of essential products including fuel, electricity, cooking oil, wheat, and maize flour, among other household items.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha, however, cautioned school heads against increasing school fees in a bid to cushion parents from further pain.
The CS assured that the government would disburse funds to the schools in a week's time.
Magoha also insisted that school fees would not be reduced despite the term being shorter. The school calendar shows that learning activities will break for a midterm in August to pave way for elections.
“We have not increased. We shall not increase fees. If you attempt to increase fees you are on your own,” remarked Magoha.
