Famed bus company Tahmeed Express has suspended the transportation of used bedding on its buses following a bedbug infestation that affected passengers travelling along the Mombasa-Nairobi route.
The suspension follows a viral video showing passengers raising concerns and expressing frustration over the condition of one of the company's buses.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, August 18, the company confirmed the incident, saying the bedbug infestation was discovered on July 17 aboard bus KCR 615.
Tahmeed Express said it immediately transferred the affected passengers to another bus and grounded KCR 615 before removing its seats and fumigating the vehicle.
The bus was returned to service only after it was confirmed to be pest-free.
"Dear Valued Customers, We acknowledge the videos circulating online regarding bus KCR 615. On July 17 2026, we identified a bedbug infestation on KCR 615. We acted at once," the company stated in a Facebook post.
"We moved all passengers to another bus to ensure your safety and comfort. We grounded KCR 615 and removed all seats. We thoroughly sprayed and fumigated the entire bus to eliminate all bedbugs," it added.
As part of the measures introduced following the incident, Tahmeed Express said it would stop transporting used bedding on its buses.
The company also announced plans to increase the frequency of fumigation across its fleet and upgrade seat-covering materials to minimise the risk of pests harbouring inside buses.
The measures come amid growing concerns from passengers over hygiene and pest control in long-distance public transport, following the circulation of the video online.
Online, netizens reacted in earnest, with many throwing playful jabs.
"You arrive at your destination looking like a CEO, step out of the bespoke suit, and the kunguni are like: Our partnership with this gentleman continues beyond the journey," wrote Facebook user Kevin Lyas.