Nairobi Bus Terminals Choked as Fares Soar in Last-Minute Travel Rush
From early morning, public transport hubs were packed with passengers and heaps of luggage, as a shortage of vehicles left many stranded and forced others to wait for days to secure a seat
By : Mweru Mbugua
With just two days to Christmas, Nairobi’s major bus terminals have been thrown into chaos as thousands of last-minute travelers scramble to leave the city for upcountry celebrations, pushing transport demand to breaking point
From early morning, public transport hubs were packed with passengers and heaps of luggage, as a shortage of vehicles left many stranded and forced others to wait for days to secure a seat
The festive rush has also triggered a sharp rise in fares, compounding the strain on travelers already grappling with a tough economy
“I’m travelling to Kitale. The crowds are overwhelming. I’ve been looking for a vehicle for three days, and today is when I finally got one,” said Consolata Ofiti, one of the many passengers navigating the Christmas rush
Transport costs have more than doubled on some routes. Fares that previously stood at Sh1,500 have now jumped to between Sh2,500 and Sh3,000, drawing frustration from travelers
“The fare was Sh1,500, now it’s Sh2,500 to Sh3,000. That’s too much, especially when you consider return travel and school reopening in January,” said Sylvia Adhiambo
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Bus operators say the hike is driven by overwhelming demand. “We used to charge Sh2,000. Now it’s between Sh2,500 and Sh3,000,” explained George Ogutu, an attendant with Nyaugenya Bus Company
While the Christmas travel surge is common on routes to western Kenya and Nyanza, this year has revealed a striking trend heavier and bulkier luggage
Some travelers say they are not just visiting home, but relocating altogether due to Nairobi’s rising cost of living
“We buy things in Nairobi and take them home. Life here is expensive. I’m leaving, even with my stool,” said Celvin Omondi, a resident of Siaya
Another traveler, Steve Oyoo, echoed the sentiment, noting that many passengers were carrying household items. “Most of this is household luggage. People are relocating. The economy is pushing ordinary people out of the city,” he said
With demand far outstripping supply, transport operators say they have deployed short-distance vehicles to help ease the congestion, while assuring passengers that safety measures remain in place
As Christmas draws closer, travelers are being urged to plan ahead or brace for delays, high fares, and long waits as the annual festive exodus reaches its peak
