Matatu operators have opposed a proposal by Members of Parliament seeking to empower the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to regulate and set public transport fares.
The operators have argued that fare decisions should be guided by market realities and the rising cost of running public service vehicles.
The proposed NTSA (Amendment) Bill, 2023, sponsored by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, seeks to amend the NTSA Act to allow the authority to develop guidelines on PSV fares, validate charges and provide passengers with a platform to report cases of overcharging.
While Members of Parliament backing the Bill argue that the move would bring order and predictability to the transport sector, operators say the proposal risks ignoring the economic realities affecting the industry.
Matatu Operators Reject MPs’ Plan to Let NTSA Set Public Transport Fares
Matatu operators have questioned plans to allow NTSA to determine or approve PSV fares, saying the move should not be implemented without involving players in the transport industry.
They argue that public transport fares are not determined arbitrarily but are influenced by several expenses incurred by vehicle owners and operators.
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Fuel remains one of the biggest costs affecting the sector, with changes in pump prices often forcing operators to adjust fares to maintain operations. In May 2026, the operators had national wide strike following EPRA increasing fuel prices and they also announced increased of fares by 50%.
Operators have also pointed to rising insurance costs, vehicle repairs, spare parts, licensing requirements and other compliance expenses.
They maintain that a regulator setting fares without considering these factors could create challenges for operators, especially during periods when operational costs increase.
The operators want the government to establish a consultation framework involving transport associations, vehicle owners, drivers and other stakeholders before introducing any fare control mechanism.
MPs’ Proposal Seeks to Give NTSA Fare Approval Powers
On July 29, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa proposed changes that would give the transport regulator a bigger role in determining fares charged by public service vehicles (PSVs) in Kenya.
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Under the proposed amendments, the Cabinet Secretary responsible for transport, in consultation with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), would be empowered to develop regulations setting the minimum and maximum fares payable by passengers using public service vehicles.
“The proposed amendments are aimed at creating a system where relevant stakeholders are involved in developing policy guidelines for public transport fares. The guidelines would help establish maximum fares payable by passengers travelling between different points and prevent commuters from being subjected to unfair charges,” Barasa said.
The proposed regulations would also establish a framework for reviewing fares to ensure that charges imposed on commuters are fair and reasonable. Operators would be required to display fare tables and timetables in places visible to passengers, allowing commuters to know the approved charges for different routes.
The changes would further introduce measures aimed at improving passenger safety and strengthening accountability within the public transport sector.
Barasa said the amendments are intended to create a structured system where key stakeholders participate in developing public transport fare guidelines.
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