Albert Karakacha,The Matatu Owners Association Chairman….Photo/CG
NAIROBI, Kenya
Public transport operators announced an immediate 50% increase in fares Friday and threatened a nationwide strike starting Monday to protest a sudden surge in fuel costs.
The Matatu Owners Association directive means a commuter paying KSh 100 for a standard route will now part with KSh 150.
A coalition of transit groups, including tour vehicle operators and boda boda riders, joined the declaration following a steep price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The regulatory changes pushed the cost of diesel up by Sh46.29 per litre and super petrol by Sh16.65 per litre.
Transit operators stated the drastic spike made daily operations unsustainable without shifting the financial burden to commuters.
“On Monday, there will be strictly no movement of any vehicles,” Matatu Owners Association President Albert Karakacha said. “All the roads will be blocked until the government listens to our cry because we have been promised, but everything we are promised has not come to fulfilment.”
Industry leadership instructed all public transport investors and transport network companies to strictly implement the 50% adjustment.
Operators warned that public transportation will completely grind to a halt unless the state intervenes to lower fuel margins or introduce sector subsidies.
Data Overview: Fuel vs. Fare Impact
| Fuel Type / Service | EPRA Price Increase | New Consumer Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | Up Sh46.29 per litre | Triggers immediate 50% fare spike |
| Super Petrol | Up Sh16.65 per litre | Higher running costs for small PSVs |
| Boda Boda Fares | Variable fuel impact | Short distance base up from Sh50 to Sh80 |
| Standard Matatu Route | N/A | KSh 100 trips adjusted to KSh 150 |
