Murang’a Shuttle Services operating between Murang’a and Nairobi have attracted a high number of travellers, following the reduction of fares to Nairobi by Sh50.
Before the cost of petroleum was reduced by the Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA) last week, the fares were charged at Sh300. The number of passengers travelling rose drastically owing to a drop in fares and Murang’a Shuttle Service reaped the benefits of the price reduction.
Peter Kamoro, a resident of Maragiu village who travels to Nairobi daily said the reduction is a blessing as he was saving Sh100. “The move by the matatu sacco should be trigger others to reduce their fair as fuel prices have dropped. Why continue to charge fares at Sh300 from Murang’a to Nairobi,” said Karomo.
Mary Njambi, a resident of Maragua said the government should crack a whip on the service providers who have continued exploiting Kenyans. “It is unfortunate that as the fuel price is adjusted upwards the matatu crews are the first to hike fares, but when the cost drops, they refuse to lower fare citing other reasons,” said Njambi.
Murang’a Shuttle Service Chairman Martin Kangi Wairimu said the idea for adjusting fare was to appreciate the recovery of the Kenyan shilling against the dollar.
” We want to serve our customers with dignity and charge them reasonably,” said Kangi.