Matatu owners’ boss Albert Karakacha has announced immediate fare increases following the latest fuel price hike by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
In a statement on October 15, Karakacha condemned the increase and urged President William Ruto to honour his pledge to keep diesel prices in Mombasa low.
Motorists Association Condemns EPRA Fuel Price Hike
In a separate statement on October 15, the Motorists Association strongly condemned the latest petroleum price increases announced by EPRA, which will remain in effect until November 14, 2026.
The association issued the statement under the authority of the newly appointed Director General, Eng. Edward Mwirigi Kinyua.
“The Motorists Association strongly condemns the petroleum price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), under its newly appointed Director General, Eng. Edward Mwirigi Kinyua, for the period beginning 15 October and ending 14 November 2026,” the statement read in part.
MAK said landed costs rose by 11.81% for petrol, 11.32% for diesel and 9.41% for kerosene. However, pump prices increased by 6.04%, 4.54% and 14.89%, respectively.
“How does the product recording the lowest percentage increase in landed costs suffer the highest percentage increase at the pump?” the association asked.
MAK acknowledged that taxes, levies, transport costs and stabilisation adjustments affect retail prices but urged EPRA to publish a detailed breakdown of how the latest rates were calculated.
Also Read: Parliament Approves New Fuel Tax Move That Could Affect Kenyans for Six Months
The association also criticised the explanation that the kerosene price increase was partly intended to narrow the price gap between kerosene and automotive fuels to discourage fuel adulteration.
MAK called for an independent audit of the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel import arrangement to establish whether it delivers savings compared with competitive procurement. It also demanded the publication of petroleum pricing worksheets and a review of taxes and levies.
The association warned it could organise peaceful demonstrations and coordinate public mobilisation if the government did not address its concerns.
“We therefore put the government and EPRA on notice that MAK will consult its members and stakeholders on further lawful civic action, including peaceful demonstrations and coordinated public mobilisation, should these legitimate concerns remain unanswered. When we call for protests, we expect motorists, transport operators, traders, commuters, farmers, civil society and every Kenyan suffering from rising fares and commodity prices to stand together,” read the notice in part.
Ruto- Matatu Owners Mombasa Diesel Pledge
Speaking during a meeting with transport-sector stakeholders at State House, Mombasa, on May 22, 2026, President William Ruto pledged to reduce diesel prices by KSh10 per litre in the June–July 2026 pricing cycle.
Also Read: EPRA Announces New Fuel Prices for October-November Cycle
Ruto said the planned reduction would help stabilise pump prices and ease the burden on consumers amid rising fuel costs linked to instability in the Middle East.
“I have further directed, after consultations with the leaders present here, and after many hours of discussions with them, that in the next pricing cycle, we will reduce the price of diesel by a further KSh 10 for the June-July cycle to help stabilise pump prices and provide additional relief to consumers,” he said.
The meeting brought together representatives of transport-sector organisations, including matatu operators, logistics players and other public transport stakeholders. It followed protests and a threatened nationwide strike over rising fuel prices and transport costs.
Following the discussions, the Matatu Owners Association and other operators called off the planned nationwide strike. Ruto pledged that the measure would take effect in the next pricing cycle, rather than the fuel pricing period in force at the time.
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