Kenyans are set to pay more for public transport after matatu operators announced a nationwide 50 percent fare increase following the latest fuel price hike.
The directive was issued on Friday, May 15, by Matatu Owners Association President Albert Karakacha, who urged all operators in the sector to immediately implement the new charges.
The move came after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increased fuel prices in its May–June review, raising the cost of Super petrol by Ksh16.65 per litre and diesel by Ksh46.29 per litre.
Matatu operators announce 50 percent fare hike after fuel price increase. Photo: Courtesy.
According to Karakacha, the increase in fares is aimed at helping operators cope with the rising operational costs caused by the fuel price adjustments.
He also announced that matatu operators would hold a nationwide strike on Monday, May 18, to protest the rising fuel costs.
According to matatu operators, the planned strike is intended to give investors and players in the public transport sector an opportunity to present their grievances to the government over the rising fuel costs.
The Matatu Owners Association warned that transport operations would be paralysed during the demonstrations, with vehicles expected to stay off the roads until the government responds to their concerns.
Owners of Tourist Service Vehicles (TSVs) also announced that they would join the nationwide strike, warning that the tourism sector could suffer major disruptions if the fuel crisis is not addressed.
The operators appealed to commuters for patience and understanding, insisting that the fare hike and industrial action were necessary due to the sharp increase in fuel prices.
At the same time, the matatu owners cautioned the government against interfering with the planned strike and questioned why Kenya could not source fuel from alternative suppliers that do not rely on the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
