Gov't to Deploy 50 Additional NYS Buses to Ferry Nairobi Commuters During Rush Hours

The government has announced it will deploy more National Youth Service (NYS) buses in the ongoing public transport plan to ease traffic in Nairobi.

NYS Director Richard Ndumbai has said 50 additional buses will be rolled out by the end of April to help ease traffic in the city during rush hours.

“We operate only on Mondays to Fridays during peak hours when we know commuters are in dire need. The Sh20 we charge is for fuel and maintenance only,” he said.

"Matatu owners should not feel threatened because as of now only 24 NYS buses provide passenger services," he said.

The Matatu Owners’ Association (MOA) however has opposed the plan, accusing the government of trying to push them out of business. MOA chairperson Simon Kimutai said the move is unfair to matatu owners and operators.

 “All routes are not covered due to the few buses we currently have. Residents of Kayole for instance should expect four buses," Ndumbai said.

The move comes days after the Nairobi county government issued a 10-day ultimatum for public service vehicles to vacate the CBD in a bid to decongest the city. Ndumbai said the NYS buses will help ferry passengers to various termini outside the city center if the government approves the plan.

“We have no problem doing so should our services be required to ferry commuters. We understand some termini are a bit far from the city center and some people might have a problem trekking,” he said.

Last week, about 20 buses were deployed to ferry commuters to different estates in Nairobi  and has been charging a flat rate of Sh20 to or from the city center.