Transport challenge as schools open

By Elijah Ruto

Hundreds of passengers in Marigat are stranded at the bus stop after lacking vehicles to their various destinations.

The challenge  has been  attributed to transport rule by the government, which bans Public service vehicles from travelling after 6pm.  The most affected were students who were returning to school after a long festive holiday.

Fare was hiked from the daily normal amount, forcing passengers to pay double as the situation worsened. Most of the matatus broke the rules, carrying passengers beyond the required capacity.

Passengers struggle to enter a 7-seater matatu. (Photo by Elijah Ruto)

One of the matatu conductor who requested that his identity be withheld said, “Today we have earned a lot of money and now this will be our Christmas, the transport rules are tough and we have to adhere to avoid paying huge fine.”

 “The students were here as early as 7am to get means of going back to school, some were lucky but others are still looking for other means,” said Esther Kimosop a business lady at Marigat market.

The normal passengers had a rough time because they were told to consider students first.

Residents of Marigat request the government to re-visit the recently passed rule and try to adjust to a time whereby it will be convenient to all.