Christmas; Bus, Matatu fare hiked up to 200 per cent across the major towns

Bus companies have increased fares from Nairobi to various parts of the country by up to 100-200 per cent as the December rush nears its peak.

The increase in fares, just four days to Christmas, come on the back of increased demand for long-distance travel to destinations such as Kitale, Kakamega, Kisumu and Mombasa.


A quick check by the Bana Media established bus firms such as Easy Coach were fully booked up to December 26 with the recent suspension of Modern Coast buses adding to the miseries of passengers.

Bus stage in Nairobi Railways. PHOTO | NMG

An official at Climax Bus Company, who spoke to Bana Media in confidence, said fares for passengers heading to Busia and Kisumu from Nairobi had increased from Sh1,000 to Sh2,000 or 3,000.

In Mombasa, Matatus from Mombasa to Malindi, Hola, Minjila, Witu has increased their Normal fare. Mombasa to Malindi raised from Ksh. 350-Ksh 500 0r Ksh. 600. Witu, Gamba, Minjila and Garsen also raised to Ksh. 1,500 to Ksh. 2,000.

Other routes within the region have also increased hiked their fares due to the festive season.