The Inability to Escape Rising Gasoline Prices

Today was uneventful (which is a good thing, I suppose). I went to campus to help in the lab, and we finished a couple hours earlier than the past two days. With only 2 weeks left, my time here feels like it’s coming to an end. A couple of the students have indicated that they will miss having my company. I think they basically accept me as one of them – Timothy explained something to me for 15 seconds or so, all in Swahili. It wasn’t until he stopped when Ruth and I looked at him with inquisitive looks that he realized that I didn’t understand a thing he said. (I have gotten pretty good at reading their actions and have been able to comment on things despite not understanding the verbal exchanges.)

At the beginning of this week, the fare for my matatu ride to campus went up from 100 kenyan shillings (KES) to 120KES due to rising fuel prices. Gasoline (or “petrol” here) is around 115KES/L or roughly $5.50/gallon. While I’ve only used one matatu route so far, I have a pretty good feel for the system. I believe that I’ve talked about it in chunks, but I’ll try to summarize. Basically, the matatus form lines based on their route. The first in line has a detachable sign on the roof with its destination. This matatu is then loaded as people arrive. When there are 2-3 seats left, an assistant collects everyone’s money and makes change. When there is about 1 seat remaining, the sign is removed and placed on the next matatu. The assistant then stands at the door ready to wave anyone looking to travel on that route. When full, the driver then comes back from fraternizing with the other drivers and you head out. With no bell pull system, to get off before the final stop you either tell the assistant (who doesn’t really have a real seat but is rather squished between the door and the person sitting adjacent – very little personal space here), slap the metal frame of the vehicle, or flick the ceiling with your finger. Since the vehicles are so crammed there is often some rearranging involved with people leaving, but it doesn’t take too much time. Overall, it’s an interesting system.

The rest of the week I’ll be catching up on some computer work and doing chores around the house. It won’t be too exciting, but hopefully it will be somewhat relaxing.

-Steven