Routes that NYS buses will use to ease commuter crisis in Nairobi

Kenyans who commute within Nairobi on a daily basis can now sigh with relief after The National Youth Service (NYS) announced plans to deploy 27 buses in an attempt to alleviate the commuter crisis in Nairobi occasioned by the ongoing heavy rains.

NYS Director General Richard Ndubai said the 27 buses will with effect from Thursday, March 22 charge a fixed fee of Ksh 50 regardless of the distance and route.

“We have witnessed people in Nairobi walking long distances in the rain and most of the time due to high fares charged by commuter vehicles. We shall do the much we can to alleviate the suffering,” he said.

NYS will today deploy 27 buses to help alleviate commuter crisis in Nairobi occasioned by the ongoing heavy rains.
This decision has also been made to save commuters from the high fares charged by public commuter vehicles during this season. #Service pic.twitter.com/eNbmbER3Dv— NYS Director General (@DG_Ndubai) March 22, 2018

He said the buses will operate on routes used by commuters from high population areas of Nairobi.

“This decision has also been made to save commuters from the high fares charged by public commuter vehicles during this season,” Mr. Ndubai said.

NYS buses in a past event

The routes listed for the NYS initiative include;

Kibera

Githurai

Mwiki

Mukuru kwa Njenga

Dandora

Kariobangi

Kawangware

This move by NYS, however, was not received well by Matatu Owners association and Matatu Welfare Association who through their representatives promised to frustrate the initiative until it fails. Led by Chairman Simon Kimutai, the matatu operators said they had been consulted before the decision was made.

According to The Star, Mr. Kimutai held that the NYS must make an application to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on routes to cover as part of compliance.

"The NTSA announced that it had stopped enrolling new players in the business so what criteria did the NYS use to get into the business?" he questioned.

NYS buses have been used before to ease situations.