Kenyan Matatu Operators Increase Fares As Schools Reopen Countrywide

• Kenyan schools across the country reopened on Monday for the 2024 first term after a long December holiday
• A surge in transportation costs prompted a wave of complaints, with parents highlighting the challenges posed by the extra financial burden
• The Kenyan Secondary School Heads Association (KSSHA) proposed to increase fees for all categories of secondary schools, signalling tough times ahead

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto brings over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

With the nationwide reopening of schools in Kenya, matatu operators have swiftly responded by increasing fares, causing a ripple of concern among commuters.

Why parents were concerned

The surge in transportation costs has raised eyebrows, particularly among parents and guardians facing additional financial strain.

Daniel Serem, a parent whose son reported to Form Two on Tuesday, January 10, told TUKO.co.ke he was forced to fork out an additional KSh 500 to pay for fare from Eldoret to Nairobi.

"As a parent, the escalating matatu fares have presented an unforeseen financial burden. Sending my son off to Form Two on Tuesday necessitated a deeper dip into my finances, as I had to allocate an extra KSh 500 specifically for the fare from Eldoret to Nairobi. The normal fare usually ranges between KSh 1000 and KSh 1,200," he said.

Another parent, Billah Kosgei, noted that she paid KSh 300 more as fare for her daughter, who studies at Naivasha Girls High School.

"When I paid for my daughter's fare to Naivasha Girls High School, I dug deeper into my pockets. The additional fare amounted to KSh 300 and having settled fees, this was an extra cost," she disclosed.

Why principals want to hike school fees

Parents could face another financial burden after high school principals suggested fee hikes.

The Kenyan Secondary School Heads Association (KSSHA) proposed to increase fees for all categories of secondary schools, signalling tough times ahead.

"The fees charged in schools are highly inadequate as they are operating on a shoe-string budget. Debts are piling, while infrastructure development has become impossible," KSSHA stated.

Parents whose children are in the county and extra-county schools will feel the highest pinch as headteachers seek to raise fees from KSh 40,535 to KSh 66,023. This represents a rise of KSh 25,488.

At the same time, school heads proposed to hike fees in national schools by KSh 19,628, raising the figure from KSh 53,554 to KSh 73,182.

If adopted, learners in day schools who currently pay for meals only will part with KSh 5,372.