Is Kenya Railways the solution to Matatu Madness?

Kenyans endured a rough day on Monday morning as they woke up to the chaos occasioned by the Matatu Strike.

Public service operators withdrew their vehicles from the roads to protest the re-introduction of the ‘Michuki’ transport rules forcing commuters to walk for long distances to work.

Those who were able to get a Matatu were charged exorbitant fares, some Matatu even charging triple the normal fare.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has told the striking operators that they can strike as long as they want because the crackdown is here to stay and government will not relent.

So what next for commuters? Can Kenya Railways come in and rescue them or we should get used to walking to work?

Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has directed Kenya Railways to increase the number and frequency of commuter trains on all routes as the matatu strike bites.

Kenya Railways has introduced additional trips on commuter rail routes to help ease transportation in the city pic.twitter.com/akfnIPJEe9

— Kenya Railways (@KenyaRailways_) November 12, 2018

The CS on Monday ordered the corporation to also reduce fares by 10 percent to cushion commuters as many public service vehicles keep off the roads.

“As the government continues to enforce the traffic law to improve road safety and management of the sector, the public is requested to support the government efforts in order to realise the long-term benefits for all Kenyans,” said Mr Macharia in a statement published on his Twitter page.

Safety on our roads is key priority for the government. We call upon all Kenyans to support the initiatives in place. The transport inconvenience experienced throughout the country today, is worth it if it will save even one life. pic.twitter.com/d4OBbCHP6J

— CS James Macharia, EGH (@JamesMacharia_) November 12, 2018