Some residents of Kitengela have expressed concern following disagreements between matatus, tuktuk and bodaboda riders plying the Acacia route.
The tuktuk and bodaboda operators are up in arms protesting what they call interference of their route by matatu saccos.
In a quest to improve services to commuters, Nairobi-bound matatu saccos have, starting mid-last year, been extending their routes to Acacia, a distance of about eight kilometres, from the Kitengela bus stop.
Commuters who live along this route have received the move with gratitude as matatus charge them an extra sh30 as opposed to sh80 charged by tuktuks, and up to sh150 charged by bodabodas.
Tuktuk and bodaboda operators are opposed to the move and are determined to stop matatus from going up to Acacia, and are alleged to have resorted to intimidating tactics like stoning the matatus.
They (bodadas and tuktuk) claim that their source of livelihood is being threatened.
“We have been ferrying passengers on this route for the longest time and matatus now want to drive us out of business,” said a tuktuk operator.
“We shall resist this in the strongest terms,” he added.
Commuters, on the other hand, are totally opposed to the move by tuktuk and bodaboda operators.
“What do these tuktuk guys take us for? We are not their property, and we are free to choose the mode of transport that suits us best,” charged Peter Muoki, a Kitengela resident.
“To start with bodabodas overcharge us, while tuktuks pack us like sardines, not forgetting that they are very rude,” added Muoki.
“Matatus have come to our rescue with comfort and fair pricing. If Tuktuks and bodabodas cannot compete on price, let them get out of the game and leave it to those who are willing to offer services at competitive rates.”
Residents are asking the county government of Kajiado to intervene, and help them.
