In Summary
- Most children who did not do an early booking were stranded with their parents at the bus stop for the better part of the morning.
- Most parents complained of the transport hike by various matatu companies at Tea Room.
Hundreds of schools going children were on Tuesday stranded at various bus stations in the Nairobi CBD during the back-to-school rush.
Most children who did not do an early booking were stranded with their parents at the bus stop for the better part of the morning.
The transport shortage was also hampered by the heavy downpour that happened for the better part of the morning.
A spot check by Ghetto Radio at Tea Room showed children stranded with their bags waiting for matatus at the bus stop.
Most parents complained of the transport hike by various matatu companies at Tea Room.
From Nairobi to Mwea, the buses that used to charge Ksh. 250 are now charging Ksh. 1,000.
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Buses blocked for students
At Afya Center, Bus Company Transline tried to salvage the situation by blocking all buses for the previous day for the students.
This however did not help the situation as many pupils were still stranded at the bus stop.
“We tried our best by blocking these buses from travelling yesterday. Unfortunately, the numbers still overwhelmed us,” said one of the Transline workers.
The stranded parents appealed to the school managers to consider the harsh weather conditions experienced during this back to school and not punish the children.
“We hope that they will not punish our children for coming to school late because this harsh weather has cost us a lot,” said one parent.
“Most of us also did not have enough money following the harsh economic times the nation is currently experiencing. We had to wait longer to get the money for school fees, shopping and other effects,” the parent added.
The first term is expected to end on April 22, 2023, when schools will close for a two-week-long holiday.
Milo George
