Nairobi, October 15- Matatu operators have announced immediate fare increases following a rise in fuel prices, raising concerns over higher transport costs for commuters across the country.
Matatu Owners Association President Albert Karakacha said operators would pass the additional fuel expenses on to passengers, citing mounting operational costs that have made it difficult to maintain current fares.
Karakacha urged President William Ruto to honour his earlier pledge to keep diesel prices low, warning that the latest increases had placed further pressure on public transport operators.
The announcement follows the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which raised the price of super petrol by KSh 12.93 per litre, diesel by KSh 9.90 and kerosene by KSh 28.49. The new prices took effect on October 15 and will remain in place until November 14, 2026.
In Nairobi, petrol now retails at KSh 226.96 per litre, while diesel costs KSh 227.76. The increase in diesel prices is particularly significant for the public transport sector, where many vehicles depend on the fuel for daily operations.
However, the extent of the fare increases is expected to vary depending on the route, distance and individual matatu Sacco, with no uniform national adjustment announced.
The fuel price review has also attracted criticism from the Motorists Association of Kenya, which questioned whether the pump price increases accurately reflect changes in the cost of imported petroleum products.
The association has called on EPRA to provide a detailed explanation of its pricing calculations and demanded an independent audit of the government-to-government fuel import arrangement.
EPRA attributed the latest increases to rising international petroleum costs, noting that Kenya imports its petroleum products in refined form. The higher fuel prices are expected to increase transport and operating expenses, potentially pushing up the cost of goods and services.
The fare adjustments are likely to place additional pressure on households already grappling with the rising cost of living.
