A segment of Migori residents is urging the county government to regulate matatus operating on the Migori-Isebania highway, citing the arbitrary fare hikes by operators. The residents claim that fares between the two destinations fluctuate daily without prior notice, causing significant inconvenience for passengers local resident Job Misana, a cleaner commuting between the two towns, expressed frustration over the rising costs.
“Ordinarily, the fare has been Ksh. 100, but of late it fluctuates between Ksh. 200 and Ksh. 300, and it can go higher at night. I’ve been working as a casual laborer for two months, and I think with my wages I will not survive. It’s better to look for something else. Paying almost Ksh. 500 per day in bus fare is not feasible,” he said.
Another group of commuters reported resorting to being packed into the boot of some vehicles to pay half the fare, yet they still find it unaffordable. This practice continues despite it being illegal to transport passengers in the boot.
In defense of the operators, one driver explained the fare hikes by attributing them to rising fuel prices and the overall cost of living. “As you know, life has changed; things have doubled in price, including petrol. We are forced to raise fares to remain profitable because many of us are servicing loans,” he said.
