While the Michuki Rules are set for Public Service Vehicles, the impact is not on the PSV but weighs heavily on Kenya’s public transport users.
At the moment the rail transport now remains to be the best alternative but is only used by those who can access it. Yet is also faced with major challenges that could be hazardous. The fare hike is a big set back but even so, overloading in the train can pose a huge threat or even be a health hazard.
Kenyans have come up with suggestions that the government should avail the NYS buses for the stranded Nairobi Passengers while offer affordable means of transport in other regions in the country.
Why can’t government avail those NYS buses, at least in Nairobi for the passengers stranded @FredMatiangi @UKenyatta @ntsa_kenya #MichukiRules
— Waitimù (@SpearMkenya) November 12, 2018
If this strike goes on for a week, the frustration that Kenyans will be going through and even the struggle to afford the fare prices will be a huge catastrophe.
Today, some passengers got in trouble with the traffic police for either not wearing a seat belt or drivers arrested for defying the Michuki rules. Something that costs fines over 500 Ksh which is above the affordability of the ‘common Mwananchi’
The most affected by this strike are candidates who are sitting for their KCSE exams, Kenyans who need emergency medical attention, with many Kenyans being forced to walk to their destinations for being unable to pay hiked fares or use other expensive means of transport.
The CS transport James Macharia has ordered the rail services that fares should be reduced by 10% until the normal public service transport resumes. The Kenya railways also announced additional trips and other routes that will ease transport during this strike period.
— CS James Macharia, EGH (@JamesMacharia_) November 12, 2018
Although this move might save Kenyans from frustration, it is important that the government should consider improving the state of public transport without seemingly using force as many Kenyans feel they are doing.
The common Kenyan is mostly affected by this strike and the government should take action to help manage the situation.