At Kenya country bus station, popularly known as ‘Machakos Airport’, Ms Esnah Bosire sat with her three children on their suitcases, sacks and other luggage, covering her head with a leso (shawl), while her children used their jackets to protect themselves from the scorching sun.

The family was among dozens of others awaiting buses to Kisii. There were also several lone travellers. Many of them had waited for more than four hours with no signs of a bus.

Nearby, buses bound for Kitale, Webuye, Bungoma, Busia and other towns in Western were full to capacity as conductors and their handymen lifted heavy beds, sofa sets and huge sacks onto roof racks.

FRENZY

The city’s biggest and busiest bus station was hustling and bustling in apocalyptic frenzy, with hundreds of travellers milling around revving vehicles spewing diesel fumes and handcart pushers having a busy day ferrying people and their stuff to and from buses.

Scenes such as these are characteristic of the travel fervour that grips city residents during the holiday season, and it is only March… so, what gives?

Window of opportunity