Bomet: Normal transport services resumed in Bomet town on Tuesday following the disruption of public transport after a boycott called by transport operators in the country over a hike in fuel prices.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Matatu strike last Monday affected private car owners, with only government vehicles operating on the roads within Bomet. Meanwhile, transport operators and traders spent the day playing childhood games and football at the typically busy Bomet Matatu terminus along the Sotik-Nairobi Highway.
Members of the public faced difficulties, having to walk long distances or cancel their trips. Those with emergency travel needs dealt with high charges on motorbike rides or limited availability of vehicles, as many owners feared reprisal from fellow operators.
A spot check by KNA indicated that travelers who were stranded all day on Monday found some relief towards the evening. Some buses and Matatus resumed service, but fare prices remained high through Tuesday morning.
Travelers reported that the cost for a trip from Kaplong to Bomet town, which typically costs sh100 per passenger, rose to Sh150 or Sh200 on some public transport vehicles.
Matatu operators cited business losses as they withdrew their vehicles from roads across the country, protesting the increase in petrol and diesel prices to sh. 214 to 242, respectively-a rise of sh. 76 for diesel, primarily used by transport vehicles since January this year.
The operators stated that their boycott aimed to pressure the government to intervene and alleviate the burden of rising fuel costs influenced by global trends. They warned that without government support, they might need to increase transport costs and bus fares to maintain profitability.
