Kenya Railways has been directed to increase the number and frequency of commuter trains on all routes as the matatu strike bites. The government has ordered Kenya Railways to increase the frequency of commuter trains and reduce fares by 10 per cent. This follows Monday strike by public service vehicles in parts of the country which left many people stranded.
“To ensure the public will be able to continue with their day to day activities in nation building, Kenya Railways Corporation is hereby directed to increase the number and frequency of commuter trains to all routes and also reduce fare by 10 per cent,” reads a statement by James Machari, CS Transport.
“As the government continues to enforce the traffic law to improve road safety and management of the sector, the public is requested to support the government efforts in order to realise the long-term benefits for all Kenyans,” said Mr Macharia in a statement published on his Twitter page. Many Kenyans across the country had to look for alternative means of transport on Monday as public service vehicles went on strike over the enforcement of the “Michuki rules”.
Those who could not afford alternative means such as boda bodas and mobile taxis either hitched rides on private cars or trekked to work. The move, which is meant to mitigate the shortage of matatus, is likely to benefit only a handful of city residents since many rely on public service vehicles.
Several passengers were stranded on Monday as authorities moved to enforce public transport safety rules in Kenya. Few public service vehicles that were in operation after complying with the rules hiked or doubled their fares to various destinations.
A spot check on major routes showed many people were walking to their destinations as police enforced the crackdown. This caused transport crisis in many parts of the country and especially urban areas. Trains that usually operate on few routes in Nairobi were full of passengers. Passengers were seen scrambling to board the trains that were available.
