School Transport Costs Surge, Nairobi Parents Feel the Heat

As the new school term dawns, many parents in Nairobi find themselves grappling with steep increases in school‑transport costs that are stretching household budgets. According to a report published on January 7, 2025, the price of transporting children to and from school has risen sharply, adding to pressures from other back‑to‑school expenses. Some parents say they are forced to make tough choices as their incomes remain stagnant while transport fees climb.
The surge in transport charges is driven by multiple factors. Schools cite increased fuel and maintenance costs, and some institutions have renewed bus fleets or hired additional vehicles to cover longer or more complex routes. One notable example includes fees for two‑way transport rising to KSh 8,255 from KSh 5,200 at a Nairobi‑area school. Public service matatu operators and school‑based transportation services cited post‑COVID capacity constraints and maintenance obligations as key reasons why charges have been passed down to parents.
Parents and education stakeholders are responding with concern. Some parents report trimming other household expenses or re‑thinking school choice because of the added transport burden. Teacher‑parent forums have raised the matter with school management, asking for clearer communication and, where possible, subsidised transport options. Analysts warn that escalating transport costs could undermine access to education, particularly for learners from lower‑income households in Nairobi.
Looking ahead, stakeholders urge policy intervention to ease the strain on families. Suggested measures include schools negotiating bulk‑rate transport contracts, transport subsidies or flexible routing options to reduce costs, and a sensitisation campaign by county education officials. Should these approaches gain traction, Nairobi families may soon see more equitable transport arrangements that allow learners to reach school on time without overwhelming parents’ finances.