Travelers want Statet to regulate matatu fares after fuel prices reduction

KITALE, KENYA: Commuters in the north rift region have challenged the government to regulate public service vehicles fares after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) slashed fuel prices.

At Makutano bus terminus in Kapenguria town, commuters lamented that they were still beeing charged high fares to other regions yet fuel prices had dropped.

They urged the government to regulate matatu fares while at the same time calling on consumer protection organisations to defend them and push for their rights.

"Why is it that when fuel prices hike all public service vehicle operators increase their charges and when the prices drop the fares remain constant?" pondered George Plimo, a resident of Siyoi in Kapenguria.

Plimo challenged the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to help regulate matatu fares so that commuters are not extorted of their money.

Travelers along Kitale – Kachibora route in Trans Nzoia County decried that they were charged exorbitant fares from Sibanga to Kitale for a very short distance yet no one seemed to care on consumer protection.