Matatu operators have ruled out a planned matatu strike over rising fuel prices, saying they will continue operating despite accusing President William Ruto of failing to honour promises made to the sector during a meeting in Mombasa earlier this year.
The clarification was issued by Albert Karakacha, the president of the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), who dismissed reports that operators were planning a matatu strike in response to the increase in fuel prices.
Instead, he said operators had opted to raise fares by 10 per cent to cushion themselves against rising operating costs.
Speaking on October 18 after the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Karakacha said matatu operators would remain on the road and continue serving commuters.
“We will continue to do our business. We have no reason to say there is a problem. We are at work and we will continue to work,” he said.
No Matatu Strike Despite Fuel Price Hike
Meanwhile, activists and human rights defenders have announced plans for nationwide protests on October 20, 2026, to pressure the government to address the soaring cost of living and rising fuel prices.
However, Karakacha made it clear that matatu operators have not endorsed any strike action and are instead pursuing alternative measures to cope with increased fuel costs.
Karakacha also faulted the government for failing to implement measures agreed upon during a meeting with transport stakeholders in Mombasa earlier this year.
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He claimed operators were promised support the import 100,000 electric buses within 90 days, a move expected to reduce dependence on fuel-powered vehicles and lower operating costs.
According to the association, the proposal has made little progress months after the commitment, leaving operators exposed to recurring fuel price hikes.
According to Eric, a bus driver in Nairobi working for Metro Trans Sacco, the 10 percent fare increase is not enough to offset higher fuel expenses, adding that they are still operating on shrinking margins.
“They have increased the fuel price by over Ksh10, and now we do not have enough money. Whether it is offload or even the salary that we remain with at the end of the day, most of the money is being consumed by the fuel we have to buy to operate,”he stated.
Pressure Mounts Over Unmet Government Promises
The latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) saw pump prices rise to Ksh226.96 per litre for super petrol, Ksh227.76 for diesel and Ksh219.87 for kerosene in Nairobi.
The prices will remain in force until November 14, 2026.
Also Read: EPRA Given Ultimatum to Revoke New Fuel Prices
The County Commuters Welfare Association (COCOWA) has also entered the dispute, giving EPRA 14 days to reverse the latest fuel price increase and threatening court action if the regulator fails to do so.
At the same time, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi accused the government of burdening Kenyans with high fuel costs, warning that ordinary citizens would continue to bear the impact through higher transport and commodity prices.
The Matatu Owners Association has urged President Ruto to intervene and engage stakeholders, warning that unless action is taken to address fuel prices, commuters will continue to feel the effects through higher transport costs.
The renewed dispute has also revived criticism of matatu operators, with some Kenyans accusing sector leaders of abandoning an earlier matatu strike after holding talks with President William Ruto at State House in May.
On social media, several users argued that operators had agreed to suspend industrial action after receiving assurances that diesel prices would remain stable and measures would be introduced to ease operating costs.
Following the latest fuel price increase, critics questioned why operators had settled for fare increases instead of renewing pressure on the government, with some claiming the commitments made during the Mombasa talks had not been fully implemented.
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