Passengers travelling from Mombasa to Nairobi on a Tahmeed Buses coach abandoned the vehicle after reporting bedbug bites during the journey. The complaints emerged shortly after departure, with some travellers expressing concern over hygiene standards on long-distance public transport.
According to passenger Patrick Mungai, the issues began near Changamwe, but the driver continued the trip despite multiple reports of bites.
In response, Tahmeed Buses confirmed the infestation and promptly transferred all passengers to another bus. The affected vehicle was grounded for thorough fumigation and seat removal to eradicate the pests.
The company has since resumed service with the bus only after confirming it was pest-free. Additional preventive measures have been introduced across the fleet, including:
- Increased fumigation frequency
- Discontinuing the use of secondhand bedding on all routes
- Upgrading seat covers to materials less hospitable to bedbugs
Tahmeed Buses encouraged passengers to report any service-related issues, emphasizing that such feedback is vital to maintaining safe and clean travel conditions.
This incident highlights the importance of strict hygiene protocols in public transport, especially on routes where passengers spend extended periods onboard. Bedbugs can spread through luggage and personal items, making regular cleaning essential.
The bus operator reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe travel experiences and called on customers to continue raising concerns to improve service quality.
