Easter Holidays: No bus fare hike, security beefed up during Easter Holidays

Bus fares will remain unchanged during the Easter Holiday starting Friday, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has announced.

MOA Chairman Albert Karakacha said members have agreed not to increase fares despite the expected surge in travel.

“Most people will be traveling upcountry, and after consultations with our members, we’ve agreed to maintain current fares,” he stated.

Karakacha also urged drivers and conductors, especially from saccos, to strictly observe traffic rules to ensure road safety.

Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) has assured Kenyans of heightened security during the holiday, while urging caution on the roads.

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NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga noted that Easter travel presents unique safety challenges, now worsened by ongoing heavy rains leading to poor visibility and flooded roads, conditions that could increase road accidents.

He also warned of a likely rise in petty crimes, burglaries, and traffic violations over the holiday.

“To ensure public safety, we’ve deployed a comprehensive security strategy, including increased police presence, intensified patrols, and surveillance in malls, markets, churches, termini, and other key areas,” said Nyaga.

The Association urged passengers to report rogue drivers who could be drunk, speeding, or driving recklessly to the nearest police station.

"We are working with the state to reduce accidents and prevent a repeat of recent incidents," the chairman added.

The NPS stated that officers, including specialised and undercover units, will patrol all parts of the country.

Nyaga said that travellers using private and public means to get ready for random inspections to ensure compliance with road safety rules, which will be done in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

“We urge all drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, and passengers to comply with traffic rules and regulations.”

The police called on the public service vehicles (PSVs) owners and boda boda associations to collaborate with police officers to improve discipline among drivers and conductors.

"We call upon the public to remain vigilant while travelling and celebrating and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, a law enforcement officer.”

Nyaga assured Kenyans that the security situation countrywide was relatively calm, adding that NPS had taken proactive measures to prevent criminal acts.

Matatu Owners said that starting next month, the Association will start a countrywide road safety campaign to sensitise drivers and members to enhance road safety.

At the same time, the Association faulted the NTSA for grounding all the buses belonging to Super Metro, citing that they should have targeted the specific vehicle that was on the wrong.

According to the Association, the Sacco serves thousands of passengers in Nairobi daily.

They also urged the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to devolve road safety functions to the county level to ease case handling.

“Our people were meant to work with NTSA at the grassroots, but this has not been effective. We appeal to NTSA  to ensure the devolved function is fully operational this time,” they said.

Meanwhile, Karakacha gave an update on a recent meeting with Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, which focused on addressing rampant corruption on city roads.

“We discussed police officers soliciting bribes from our vehicles. Early next month, we’ll meet again with senior traffic officials to explore closer collaboration and ensure police follow existing regulations,” he added.