Kenyans off to Coast for Christmas

Kenyans in their usual element travelled out of the city to the Coast and other parts of the country in large numbers to celebrate Christmas and New Year holidays.

Major bus stations in Nairobi were crowded Wednesday as Kenyans travelled out of the city to other parts of the country either for a tour or to join their relatives.

Accra Road that hosts several public service vehicles was lined with buses loading luggage from people who were either queued or milling around hoping to get a seat.

Women with children behind their backs and chicken on their side braved the Nairobi rain and chill as they awaited for departure time.

The sheer number of travellers outside stations operated by Coast Bus and Mash Bus made them increase the numbers in their fleet.

A representative from the Mash Bus Company that plies the Nairobi-Mombasa route, Kalama Katana said their buses were fully booked. Consequently fares have gone up from Sh1200 to Sh1400.

He however noted that a week before Christmas, around December 10 to 15, they recorded more travellers, but this reduced as Christmas approached.

For Modern Coast Bus that operates an online booking, there were barely any seats for walk-in travellers to Mombasa. The fare has however reduced by as much as Sh400.

As an indication of defiance to security fears, residents from other parts of the county flocked the Coast, with hotels reporting full bookings.

The hotels are recording booming business as visitors ignore insecurity concerns that has nearly crippled the tourism industry.

Many hotels were over 80 per cent booked ahead of Thursday’s Christmas festivities and the New Year next Thursday.

Security was tight at the Likoni Channel on Wednesday and human and vehicular traffic was screened before being allowed on board the four ferries operating at the same time.

PIRATES

Travellers are expected to throng the Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach popularly known as Pirates, to enjoy the numerous entertainment activities lined up at the beach.

A holiday maker at Sun and Sand Beach Resort Ms Leah Kamau from Nairobi said she did not see anything to deter Kenyans from visiting the Coast.

“Kenyans should tour their country instead of depending on foreigners. I am enjoying the moment with my family. The weather is friendly and I expect to remain here until New Year,” she said.

Another holiday maker, Mr Peter Njoroge said it was time the focus shifted to domestic tourism to increase bed occupancy, especially now that foreigners had stayed away.

The President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto yesterday sent a goodwill message to Kenyans and foreigners visiting during this festive season.

“It is that time of the year when we celebrate love, joy, family and friendship. We trust that you have found time to relax and enjoy the beauty of our country and the splendid diversity, warmth and the generosity of our people.

“Be safe and responsible as you enjoy Christmas. We are doing our best to ensure that we celebrate in a peaceful, safe and secure atmosphere. We urge all to exercise caution and restraint when driving during this season”, they said in the message Wednesday.

In Kisumu, thousands visited their rural homes, but were frustrated because of difficulties in withdrawing money as most ATMs were out of service. At the same time, recreational centres and supermarkets were full.

In Nakuru, clothing shops went out of their way to display wares outside their shops as last minute buyers thronged Nakuru’s central business district.
Nakuru’s position as a transit point saw it get a large number of shoppers.

The far flung Lake Turkana is expected to enjoy a windfall as hundreds seeking to enjoy themselves travel to the area.

Taxi owners are already reaping big with each vehicle on the recently graded road from Lodwar to the Eliye Spring Resort and Christine’s Camp charging at least Sh6,000 per day.

Ms Gladys Lomadanga, a resident of Lodwar Town, said it was not easy to get a vehicle to ferry her family to the lake about 80km away as most had already been booked.

County Commissioner Julius Mathenge assured visitors that the county was safe with most visited sites such as the Southern Turkana National Reserve being well secured. “We have beefed up security so that all people enjoy their Christmas festivities.” he said.

In Nyeri County, travellers were greeted by a fuel shortage for the second day.

But most buses and hotels were booked in the North Rift.

Matatu operators took advantage to increase fares, as supermarkets and grocery dealers in Eldoret, Kitale among other towns recorded booming business. But several commuters were stranded after vehicles plying Eldoret-Webuye-Malaba route doubled fares.

Reports by Eunice Kilonzo, Grace Gitau, Sammy Lutta, Eric Matara, Angela Oketch, Winnie Atieno, Mwakera Mwajefa, Dennis Lubanga, Mathias Ringa and Daniel Nyassy.