Thousands of students and parents were left stranded at major bus termini across the South Rift region as schools reopened for the second term.
This follows a sharp increase in transport fares and a shortage of public service vehicles (PSVs) on various routes in the region.
The usually busy termini were overwhelmed, with long queues of learners in uniform and anxious parents struggling to secure transport.
Many reported waiting for hours as matatu operators enforced fare hikes of up to 50 percent, sparking protests from passengers.
“We have been here since morning, and the fares have gone up beyond what we can afford. Some operators have increased charges by half. It’s unfair, especially when schools are reopening,” said Joyce Maina, a frustrated parent in Bomet.
The situation has caused widespread delays, with some students unable to report back to school on time due to the unexpected cost and limited availability of vehicles.
Parents described chaotic scenes, with overcrowding and confusion dominating transport hubs across the region.
“It is very disorganised. Children are stranded, and there is pushing and scrambling for vehicles. We are worried about their safety in such conditions,” lamented another parent, Roselyne Bett.
Matatu operators, however, defended the fare increases, attributing them to rising fuel prices and the overall cost of living.
“We are not doing this to exploit passengers. Fuel prices have gone up, and operational costs are very high. We have to adjust fares to survive,” said a PSV operator.
The fare hikes come barely two weeks after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced an increase in fuel prices, citing global pressures linked to the Iran conflict.
Transport stakeholders say the ripple effect has been immediate, with operators passing the cost to passengers, especially during peak travel periods such as school reopening.
Parents are now calling on the government to intervene and regulate fares to prevent exploitation during critical times.
“The government needs to step in. Education is already expensive, and now transport is becoming another burden. Our children should not suffer because of these increases,” added Hellen Kirui, from Kericho.
The crisis has also raised concerns over the safety of learners, with many forced to navigate overcrowded and poorly managed termini.
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As the stalemate continues, pressure is mounting on authorities to address both the fare hikes and the shortage of PSVs to ensure smooth and safe travel for students returning to school.
By Kimutai Langat
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