Matatu and bus operators have decried low businesses after the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) launched new train services.
During the festive season, various Saccos plying the Nairobi - Nanyuki route recorded lower than normal business with thousands of passengers opting to use the train.
This is after Kenya Railways launched the Nairobi-Nanyuki route which came as a relief to many passengers but dealt a blow to matatu operators.
Matatu Owners Association chairman Simon Kimutai said that the industry has recorded huge losses during the Covid-19 pandemic owing to the strict rules imposed on them.
"There is a lot of discrimination. We feel discriminated against when it comes to issues such as social distancing.
"Trains are carrying full capacity while matatus are only operating at 60 percent," noted Kimutai.
The Matatu operators are now contemplating reducing their fares to remain competitive in the transport sector with many Kenyans opting to use the train service due to its cheaper prices.
Commuters travelling to Thika, Mitubiri, Makuyu, Maragua, Murang'a, Sagana, Karatina, Kiganjo and Narumoru enjoyed the train service after years of PSV monopoly.
Kenya Railways announced that it is set to relaunch the Nairobi-Western Railway line in 2021, a move that the Matatu operators say will eat into their market share.
Mash East Africa General Manager Lenocks Shalo warned that the move is set to affect their business.
"I can see the danger which is coming, times are already hard but we are surviving. Western Kenya is our centre stage.
"When the SGR trains to Mombasa were first launched, we lost so many passengers but some of them have come back," he explained.
The matatu operators and also citing uneven playing ground with trains allowed to operate during curfew hours.
