Transport operations at the busy Chuka bus terminus in Tharaka-Nithi County remained deserted on Monday as matatu operators protested against sharp increase in fuel prices, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
No public service vehicles were operating at the busy stage, forcing workers, students, and other travelers to abandon their journeys as transport players vowed not to resume operations until their grievances are addressed.
In an unusual scene, the normally crowded stage turned into a football ground, with drivers and touts seen playing football as they waited for the government to remedy the situation.
The disruption extended beyond the transport sector, affecting business activities within Chuka town.
Several businesses remained closed for the better part of the morning, including Khetia’s Supermarket and Magunas Supermarket, as customers stayed away and supply movements were affected by the transport paralysis.
The latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) pushed Super Petrol prices in Chuka to Sh214.25 per litre while Diesel rose to Sh242.92 per litre in Nairobi for the May–June pricing cycle, sparking outrage among transport operators.
Residents expressed frustrations over the increasing cost of living, saying the fuel hike had worsened the economic burden on ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking to journalists at the stage, Samuel Njagi said wananchi were being “squeezed from every corner” due to the high cost of fuel and transport.
“We are suffering everywhere. Fuel prices are too high and transport operators cannot continue operating under these conditions,” he said.
Njagi added that transport players were determined to continue with the protest until the government intervened to address the fuel crisis.
Matatu driver Peter Gitonga, who operates along the Chuka–Nairobi route, lamented that the transport business was no longer profitable.
“Previously, I would fuel my vehicle with between Sh8,000 and Sh9,000, but now I spend almost Sh12,000 for the same trip.
At the end of the day, there is nothing left. It is purely a loss,” said Gitonga.
Another driver, James Muriuki, said most operators were struggling to meet daily expenses, including vehicle maintenance costs and Sacco remittances.
“We spend almost everything on fuel. Sometimes after a whole day on the road, you go home empty-handed. Drivers and conductors are suffering,” he said.
The transport disruption also affected students and workers who rely on public transport to access schools and workplaces.
Dorothy Mukami, a stranded passenger, said she was forced to cancel her trip after failing to secure transport.
“I was heading to work this morning, but since there is no transport, I have no choice but to go back home,” she said.
Private motorists were also affected after some roads were reportedly blocked during the protests, causing inconvenience to road users.
by Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
