Commuters across the country are bracing for higher transport cost after the Federation of Public Transport Sector announced a 50 percent increase in fares.
In a statement issued on Friday, May 15, Matatu Owners Association chairman Albert Karakacha said the operators will now increase the fare by 50 per cent, a decision that follows the latest increase in super petrol and diesel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The motorists also stated that they would hold countrywide protests on Monday, May 18 until the government heed to their demands.
“On Monday, there will be strictly no movement of any vehicles. All the roads will be blocked until the government listens to our cry because we had been promised, but the promises did not come to fruition,” said Albert Karakacha.
“We are also urging all our investors in the public transport that, effective immediately, we are increasing our fares by 50 per cent.”
Matatus Announce Countrywide Strike, Increases Fare by 50% After EPRA Review
The Energy Regulatory Authority pushed pump prices to historic highs in its May–June fuel review.
A litre of diesel jumped by Ksh46.29 to retail at Ksh242.92 in Nairobi, effective Thursday, May 15, midnight, as consumers feel the impact of rising global oil prices linked to the US-Israel conflict involving Iran.
A litre of petrol will now retail at Ksh214.25, reflecting an increase of Ksh16.65, while kerosene remains unchanged at Ksh152.78. The prices will remain in force until June 14.
EPRA said the adjustments, reflect a rise in international petroleum product prices, coupled with exchange rate fluctuations and the application of statutory taxes under the Value Added Tax (VAT) framework.
Also Read: Breakdown of New Fuel Prices Across Kenya’s Major Towns After EPRA Hike
Karakacha disclosed that the fare prices will remain elevated and that they will strike until the government heeds their demand for cheaper fuel prices.
The representatives from the transport sector stated that the rising cost of fuel has significantly affected their daily earnings and operational expenses, forcing them to hike fare prices.
According to the operators, all matatus across various routes in Nairobi and other parts of the country are expected to implement the new charges immediately.
This comes nearly a month after motorists announced a 25 percent increase following the controversial April review, where EPRA increased the cost of super petrol and diesel by KSh 28.69 and KSh 40.30 per litre, respectively, leading to a public outcry over the rising cost of living.
This meant that in Nairobi, the maximum retail price for super petrol stood at Ksh 206.87 per litre, diesel at Ksh 206.84 per litre, and kerosene at Ksh 152.78 per litre.
Also Read: EPRA Announces Fuel Prices for May and June Cycle
At the time, EPRA attributed the increase to a spike in landed costs—the price at which fuel is imported into the country—driven by volatility in international markets and a weakening shilling.
A day later, the government lowered the cost of super petrol and diesel by Ksh 9.37 and Ksh 10.21, respectively, setting the new prices for April at Ksh 197.60 per litre for petrol, Ksh 196.63 for diesel, and Ksh 152.78 per litre for kerosene.
Karakacha at the time noted that operators have been left with little choice but to adjust fares to cushion themselves against rising operational costs.
“Fuel is a major component in our daily operations. With the new prices, we cannot sustain current fares,” he said.
The move is expected to hit thousands of commuters who rely on public service vehicles, commonly known as matatus, for daily transport to work and school.
