By Peter Ochieng

Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced free public transport for school children in the City County.

The governor made the announcement on Friday, November 18, 2022, in conjunction with all Nairobi matatu Saccos during a meeting held at the City Hall, Nairobi.

Sakaja said the intention is to unburden families who are struggling financially, given the fact that most of them are finding it difficult to even put food on the table due to high food prices.

However, the first-term County boss said primary school children in uniform are the only ones set to benefit under the program in the city’s Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).

He said that while growing up in Nairobi, they used to care for children and he would like to see that happening again under his watch.

“When I was growing up, in this city, we cared for each other. Children were not paying fare in matatus, as long as they were in school uniform. Why are we charging children fare? Why don’t we just carry them (for free)?” paused the governor.

“You could find that there’s no food at home, which is why I’m doing a school-feeding programme; so that our children can get something to eat in school. And then some schools are far; that Ksh.50 or Ksh.20 to pay fare to school, many don’t have,” he added as quoted by Citizen Digital.

He promised to ensure police officers do not interfere with the plan.

“I will deal with the police. But don’t use it as an excuse to carry grown people in excess; only carry children in school uniform for free.”

Sakaja was elected on President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party ticket.

He is the fourth Nairobi County boss after Evans Kidero, Mike Mbuvi alias Sonko and Anne Kananu.