The Counties Commuter Welfare Association (COCOWA) has given the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) 14 days to revoke the latest fuel price increases, threatening to take the matter to court if it does not meet its demands.
Speaking during an interview on October 18, the secretary general of the association, Bernard Otieno, demanded that the government issue clear communication on the factors driving fuel prices.
In addition, the association called for formal engagement with commuter representatives and concrete proposals to cushion passengers against rising transport costs.
“Within this period, we demand clear communication on the factors driving fuel prices, formal engagement with commuter representatives and concrete proposals to cushion commuters against the escalating cost of transport,” Bernard Otieno stated.
However, Jerry Kenyansa, the national chairperson of COCOWA, clarified that the association is not part of the blame game in which he alleges Matatu Owners Associations blame the government for high fuel prices in the country.
In support, the COCOWA patron Sammy Kemboi noted that fuel prices should be lowered, noting that neighboring countries that lack the economic muscle in comparison to Kenya have lower fuel prices.
The association has also urged the Ministry of Energy to intervene and help lower fuel prices, noting that after 14 days the association will seek legal measures against EPRA.
“We have issued our demands; if in 14 days we do not see any progress or meetings being held to reduce the fuel prices, we will take action,” COCOWA members noted.
Also Read: EPRA Signals Possible Fuel Price Increases in the Coming Months
EPRA New Fuel Prices in Major Towns
The ultimatum comes amid growing concerns from motorists and public transport operators over the latest review, which raised the maximum retail prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene for the period running from October 15 to November 14, 2026.
According to EPRA, the price of super petrol increased by KSh12.93 per liter, diesel by KSh9.90 and kerosene by KSh28.49.
The new fuel prices vary across major towns, with Nairobi recording super petrol at KSh 226.96 per liter, diesel at KSh 227.76, and kerosene at KSh 219.87.
In Mombasa, super petrol retails at KSh 223.81 per liter, diesel at KSh 224.71, and kerosene at KSh 216.71.
Motorists in Nakuru pay KSh 225.73 per liter for super petrol, KSh 226.93 for diesel, and KSh 219.06 for kerosene, while in Eldoret and Kisumu, super petrol costs KSh 226.51 per liter, diesel KSh 227.71, and kerosene KSh 219.83.
The regulator attributed the increases to higher international petroleum costs and supply-chain disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Motorists’ Association Questions Fuel Pricing
The Motorists Association of Kenya has also criticized the latest increases, questioning whether the pump price changes are proportionate to the reported rise in the cost of imported petroleum products.
On October 15, the Motorists Association issued a statement strongly condemning the latest petroleum price increases announced by EPRA.
“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.
According to the association, the fuel hike would negatively impact commuters.
Also Read: EPRA Announces New Fuel Prices for October-November Cycle
Matatu Operators Announce 10 Per Cent Fare Increase
Meanwhile, the Matatu Owners Association directed operators to increase fares by 10 percent following the fuel price adjustments.
Association president Albert Karakacha said operators could no longer absorb rising operating costs while maintaining existing fares.
He also criticized the diesel price increase, claiming it contradicted assurances given to transport sector stakeholders during a meeting in Mombasa.
Karakacha warned that rising fuel costs would hurt ordinary Kenyans, particularly commuters already struggling with the cost of living.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
