Residents of Nairobi have raised concerns over the increasing presence of bedbugs and cockroaches in public service vehicles (PSVs), particularly matatus and buses.
The issue has become a major discomfort for commuters, with reports indicating that the pests are now widespread across various routes.
Speaking to City Mirror, daily commuters expressed frustration, noting that the infestation is turning their daily travels into a nightmare.
Passengers have reported spotting bedbugs crawling on seats and even on fellow commuters, while cockroaches have been found hiding in bags and clothing.
“I first noticed a bedbug on the passenger seated in front of me. When I alerted him, the conductor casually flicked it away as if it was nothing,” said Amos Kiplangat, a frequent matatu user.
Another commuter shared a similar experience:
“I was using one of the matatus from Thika to Nairobi as usual. When I got home and started unpacking, I saw a cockroach jump out of my bag. That’s when I realized it must have come from the matatu,” said George Muriuki.
Concerned commuters are now urging matatu owners and SACCOs to take immediate steps to fumigate their vehicles.
“There’s growing public outcry. This is not just my experience—several of my colleagues have also complained about it. We are calling on public transport operators in Nairobi to act fast and eliminate these pests. It has become a serious hygiene and health issue,” Amos Kiplangat emphasized.
A matatu driver operating along the Nairobi-Juja route admitted that cleanliness is a major challenge, as many vehicles are poorly maintained.
“Many of the matatus are in bad shape. The seats are worn out and dusty, but it’s not our responsibility to clean them—that falls on the vehicle owners. Even if passengers complain, there’s little we can do,” he stated.
With the problem worsening, some Nairobi residents are opting for private transport to avoid the infestation.
“I would rather use Uber or Bolt. I’ve been bitten by bedbugs before, and it was a terrible experience. Plus, I can’t stand cockroaches,” said Peter Mutisya.
He further noted that if cleanliness in PSVs does not improve, more people will switch to private ride-hailing services, affecting public transport usage.
Beyond public transport, complaints about pest infestations are also increasing in Nairobi’s hospitality sector. Reports indicate that some hotels and eateries are struggling with cockroach and rodent problems, prompting the Nairobi County health department to tighten hygiene inspections.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, has vowed to take a firm stance on ensuring high cleanliness standards in the city’s public spaces and businesses.
As the infestation continues to cause distress, there is mounting pressure on transport operators and business owners to take urgent action to restore hygiene and comfort for Nairobi residents.
