The Counties Commuters Welfare Association (COCOWA) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to revoke the latest fuel price increases or face legal action.
The association, through a presser on Sunday, October 18 argued that the October price review was conducted without public participation or consultations with transport sector stakeholders, warning that commuters will bear the burden through higher fares.
“Within this period, we demand clear communication on the factors driving fuel prices, formal engagement with commuter representatives and concrete proposals to caution commuters against the escalating cost of transport,” COCOWA stated.
COCOWA has urged the Ministry of Energy to intervene and push for lower fuel prices, demanding transparency in pricing decisions and meaningful engagement with representatives of public transport users.
EPRA Director General Eng. Edward Kinyua speaking at a past media roundtable.
Photo
TalkAfrica
The association wants EPRA to explain the factors behind the increases, engage commuter representatives formally and propose practical measures to cushion passengers against rising transport costs.
COCOWA warned that failure to address its demands within 14 days would prompt it to seek legal redress, as commuters continue facing pressure from increasing travel expenses.
“We have given our support to the association on the 14th. If we don't see the five of us working together to solve this problem, we are telling the Minister of Energy and the Minister of Civil Affairs, there will be nothing to negotiate,” COCOWA added.
The ultimatum comes as transport operators signalled a possible adjustment of fares following EPRA's October 14 review, which raised super petrol prices by Ksh12.93 per litre and diesel by Ksh9.90.
EPRA Director General Engineer Edward Mwirigi Kinyua on Wednesday, October 18 said the government had opted against using fuel price stabilisation funds during the October review, contributing to the sharp increases.
The decision was intended to preserve the funds for potential future shocks in the petroleum market rather than cushion consumers against the latest price increases.
Kinyua also indicated that EPRA would not revise fuel prices again in the immediate future, leaving motorists and public transport users facing higher costs for the time being.
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA), through its President Albert Karakacha, directed members to increase passenger fares by 10 per cent, citing the higher cost of fuel and operations.
However, some independent operators and matatu Saccos have reportedly raised fares by as much as 40 to 50 per cent on certain routes, exceeding the association's recommended adjustment.
An image of a fuel pump.
Photo
Motorists Association of Kenya