𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞

As schools reopen across the country, parents and students face multiple challenges, from high transportation costs to increased prices of school supplies.

A spot check at most vehicle booking offices showed that the fare had gone up by as high as 100 percent.

According to Mr. Paul Mutuku, a parent from Meru, the cost of transportation has increased, pushing parents to stretch their budgets even further.

In addition, bookshops countrywide were filled to the maximum as parents brought with them a long list of books, tools, supplies, and other resources to meet the requirements of the competency-based curriculum (CBC), as opposed to the 8-4-4 system, which has fewer requirements.

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On the other hand, uniform shops experienced a slow flow of parents compared to other years, a situation associated with the high cost of living.

No fare hike

Meanwhile, a matatu operator in Lodwar has assured passengers that fares will remain unchanged during the school reopening season.

This assurance comes amidst a trend where passenger service vehicles, including buses and matatus, often hike fares during festive seasons and school transitions due to increased demand.

Quick Shuttle Matatu General Manager, Kinyanjui Mbugua, confirmed that the company would maintain its current fare structure. Passengers traveling from Lodwar to Kitale will continue to pay Ksh 1,300, while fares from Lodwar to Eldoret and Lodwar to Nakuru remain at Ksh 1,500 and Ksh 1,700, respectively. For those traveling from Kakuma to Kitale, the fare is set at Ksh 1,800.

Mbugua also announced the company’s plans to launch a new route between Lodwar and Nairobi next week.

James Ekai welcomed the move, saying it showed the company was concerned about parents’ plight, especially during the harsh economic times.

To ensure quality service, the company has hired four new drivers from the Turkana County Drivers Association after a rigorous selection process involving 20 candidates.

The selected drivers will undergo further training in Kitale to ensure they meet the safety and service standards required to transport passengers.

“Our drivers are expected to maintain discipline, respect passengers, and uphold the company’s standards,” Mbugua emphasized.

The company operates a fleet of 11 vehicles and has expanded its service areas to include routes to Kisumu, Nakuru, Nairobi, and Busia.

Mbugua reassured parents and guardians of students traveling during the school reopening period. “We will ensure the safety of students, particularly those arriving late, by making arrangements to take them directly to their schools,” he said.