Several passengers travelling from the countryside to various cities were on Monday, January 2, stranded after Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) colossally hiked fares.
According to various reports, the passengers, mainly from Western Kenya, were disgruntled when various bus companies informed them that the PSVs had been fully booked for the next few days.
Some travellers were forced to spend the night in the cold as they attempted to hop on any possible ride to the city.
"We have been trying to get a bus that would take us to Nairobi but all of them have been booked. There is no space for anyone, and unfortunately, some buses have been booked for a week," a passenger expressed his frustrations.
While voicing their disappointment, the passengers noted that the fares were, in some cases, tripled by the bus companies.
Some passengers travelling from Western Kenya to Nairobi City recounted that PSVs plying the route were charging as high as Ksh3,000.
Here are some alternatives to explore.
1. Interconnecting PSV transportation
Passengers travelling from upcountry are advised to consider using interconnecting PSV transportation, in which a traveller would pick the next available ride to any destination on his or her route.
Instead of waiting for buses to be available, travellers from Busia to Nairobi can consider connecting via Eldoret.
This option is cheaper and easier than sitting at bus stations for days while waiting for available long-distance buses.
2. Private Transportation
Stranded passengers were also advised to consider hopping on any available private cars travelling to the destination or that may drop the travellers on their way.
Private car owners mostly look for money to fuel their vehicles. As such, private car drivers tend to charge slightly higher fares than Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
3. Last Mile Connectivity via Motorbikes
Motorbikes have been an integral part of transportation in Kenya. Stranded passengers could also use them to move to the next bus stations, where they will likely catch a bus or an alternative means of transportation.
At the same time, the Ministry of Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, on December 31, 2022, warned long-distance bus companies that their licenses would be suspended should they fail to adhere to traffic rules.
