Public transport commuters across Kenya are set to dig deeper into their pockets after Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators announced a 50 per cent increase in transport fares following the latest fuel price adjustments by the government.
The announcement came just hours after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised petrol prices by Ksh16.65 per litre and diesel prices by Ksh46.29 per litre in its latest monthly review. Kerosene prices, however, remained unchanged.
The sudden increase in fuel prices has triggered outrage among transport operators, who now say they can no longer sustain normal operations under the current economic conditions.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, May 15, representatives from the transport sector revealed that all matatus operating in Nairobi and other towns across the country are expected to implement the new fare charges immediately.
Under the revised charges, passengers who previously paid Ksh100 for a trip will now pay up to Ksh150, reflecting the newly announced 50 per cent increment.
According to the operators, the cost of running PSVs has risen sharply due to the fuel hike, cutting deeply into their daily profits and making it difficult for businesses in the sector to survive.
Matatu operators further announced plans for a nationwide strike beginning Monday, May 18, in protest against the soaring fuel costs.
Albert Karakacha, a representative of the matatu association, warned that the transport industry would paralyse operations until the government addresses their concerns.
“On Monday, there will be strictly no movement of any vehicles. All the roads will be blocked until the government listens to our cry because we had been promised, but the promises did not come to fruition,” Karakacha stated.
“We are also urging all our investors in the public transport sector that, effective immediately, we are increasing our fares by 50 per cent,” he added.
The operators maintained that the elevated fares would remain in place until fuel prices are reduced or the government introduces measures to cushion the transport industry.
The planned strike is expected to disrupt movement in major towns and cities across the country, affecting thousands of commuters who rely on matatus for daily transport to work, school and businesses.
Transport stakeholders are also calling on motorists, business owners and other affected sectors to support their push against the rising cost of fuel, arguing that the increases will eventually affect the prices of goods and services nationwide.
Meanwhile, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has defended the government’s response, saying several interventions are already being considered to protect consumers from the full impact of the global fuel crisis.
Speaking on Friday afternoon, Wandayi linked the sharp rise in fuel prices to growing instability in the global oil market caused by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The CS revealed that the government had already initiated discussions with stakeholders in the energy, transport, manufacturing and business sectors to explore practical and sustainable solutions aimed at reducing pressure on consumers.
The latest developments now raise fears of increased inflation and higher living costs, with Kenyans likely to feel the impact not only in transport fares but also in food prices, logistics and essential commodities in the coming days.