- Matatu operators warn that commuters will pay more after EPRA raised diesel prices by KSh9.90 per litre, alongside increases in petrol and kerosene
- MOA chairman Albert Karakacha accused President William Ruto of breaking a promise to protect diesel prices during May’s negotiations
- Operators say rising costs of tyres, insurance and other expenses have made it difficult to maintain current fares
Matatu operators have announced plans to increase fares following the latest fuel price hikes, warning that commuters will bear the additional costs as the transport sector accuses President William Ruto of breaking a promise to shield diesel prices from increases.
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The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised Super Petrol prices by KSh12.93 per litre, diesel by KSh9.90 and kerosene by KSh 28.49 in its latest monthly review, with the new rates taking effect on October 15 and remaining in place until November 14.
In Nairobi, petrol now retails at KSh226.96 per litre, diesel at KSh227.76 and kerosene at KSh219.87. In Mombasa, petrol costs KSh223.81, diesel KSh224.61 and kerosene KSh216.71 per litre.
Why matatu owners want fare hikes
Matatu Owners Association (MOA) national chairman Albert Karakacha criticised the increases, saying they contradicted assurances made during talks with transport sector stakeholders at State House in Mombasa in May.
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According to Karakacha, Ruto had pledged to protect diesel prices because of the fuel's central role in public transport and the wider economy.
“In Mombasa with the president, he promised us that he would not increase diesel prices,” Karakacha said, demanding that the government reverse the latest adjustment.
The dispute revives memories of the nationwide transport strike on May 18 and 19, which followed an earlier fuel price increase and left commuters stranded in Nairobi and other towns. The government later announced a further KSh10 reduction per litre of diesel for the June-July pricing cycle, helping persuade transport leaders to call off plans to resume the strike.
Karakacha said operators are already struggling with rising expenses, including vehicle insurance, tyres and spare parts. He noted that tyres previously costing about KSh25,000 now sell for between KSh38,000 and KSh45,000, while comprehensive insurance premiums have climbed from approximately KSh180,000 to KSh250,000.
He also criticised delays in promised tax relief for electric vehicles, batteries and charging infrastructure, arguing that operators had yet to receive the support they expected.
The association chairman warned that operators could no longer absorb rising costs without making losses and would pass the additional expenses on to passengers.
“We are businessmen, we will pass it on to the consumer,” he said, adding that operators had been pushed to the wall.
Although Karakacha did not specify the amount of the proposed fare increases, he said the association would convene an urgent meeting to agree on a common position.
The association is also urging the government to consider fuel subsidies or a stabilisation fund and review taxes on petroleum products to cushion operators and consumers against sharp price fluctuations.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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