Matatu operators in Bomet turn bus terminus into a playground
Matatu operators in Bomet county on Monday turned a bus terminus into an improvised playground as the transport strike continued to disrupt operations in different parts of the country.
The unusual scene captured attention after drivers and conductors were seen engaging in a football game at the otherwise busy stage.
The terminus, which is usually filled with passengers and the constant movement of public service vehicles, appeared calm with the vehicles parked.
With matatus parked and no normal transport business taking place, operators appeared to use the free time to entertain themselves as they waited for developments surrounding the strike.
In the video shared on X, some operators were seen laughing, running around and playing games in the middle of the bus park.
Others stood around in groups watching the activities, while a few leaned on parked vehicles as conversations continued.
The mood at the terminus appeared relaxed despite the uncertainty surrounding public transport operations.
The strike has affected movement in several towns, leaving many commuters stranded and forcing others to seek alternative means of transport.
Operators across the country are protesting over the high pump prices, leading to reduced matatu operations in most regions.
In Bomet, however, the atmosphere at the bus park took a different turn as operators transformed the waiting period into a moment of entertainment.
Although transport activities remained disrupted, the playful mood at the Bomet terminus offered a rare and lighter moment during the ongoing standoff in the matatu sector.
Consequently, commuters across Nairobi and its surrounding areas were also left stranded after the matatu strike brought transport services to a near standstill, disrupting movement to workplaces, schools and businesses.
By as early as 6 am, several bus stages in the city centre that are usually packed with public service vehicles remained unusually quiet, with only a handful of private cars and boda bodas operating.
Long queues formed at major pickup points as frustrated passengers waited in vain for matatus that never arrived.
The strike, organised by matatu operators and drivers, was reportedly triggered by concerns over increased fuel prices.
The effects of the strike were also evident in areas outside the city centre, including Lower Kabete, where roads that are usually busy with public service vehicles remained largely empty during the morning rush hour.