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Kenya: Matatu Fares Increased
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The Nation (Nairobi)
14 May 2008
Posted to the web 14 May 2008
Anthony Kitimo
Nairobi
Matatu fares have been increased by as much as 50 per cent on some Mombasa routes.
The move has, however, left the Matatu Owners Association and vehicle owners sharply divided over who sanctioned the increase.
A survey carried out on Tuesday showed that commuters from Tudor to Likoni were being asked to pay Sh25, up from Sh15.
Those from Mtwapa to Mombasa town were forking out Sh60, up from Sh40.
Matatu crews said the increase was due to the increase in the price of fuel and other operational costs.
A notice displayed in matatus says: "Due to cost of living, increase of fuel price and other matatu expenses, the Matatu Owners Association decided to increase fares beginning May 12 this year."
However, MOA Coast branch secretary-general Mr Sammy Gitau dismissed the notice, saying there was no such an increase.
"The statement displayed in matatus is not official since it does not bear a signature of any of the officials," Mr Gitau said.
"We are investigating the origin of the statement since it is a crime to use somebody's association without his knowledge," he said.
Mr Gitau said due to the increase in fuel prices and other matatu expenses, "fares will increase soon but we are yet to discuss and issue the official statement".
On another note, traffic police officers in Mombasa have intensified their crackdown on matatu operators who flout traffic rules.
Escaped death
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Mombasa traffic police boss Martha Ng'etich said her officers were conducting the crackdown in order to arrest all public service vehicles which do not adhere to traffic rules.
Meanwhile, 13 people narrowly escaped death in Tana River District when the matatu in which they were travelling rolled several times after tyre bursts.
The district police boss Iregi Ngatia said the Nissan matatu was travelling to Bura from Hola on Monday afternoon when the incident occurred at Bura trading centre.
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