Commuters across Kenya are bracing for tougher transport costs after matatu operators announced a 50 per cent fare increase alongside plans for a nationwide strike beginning Monday.
The move comes just hours after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase in fuel prices for the May-June review cycle, pushing up the cost of petrol and diesel across the country.
Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators said the rising fuel prices have made it difficult to sustain normal transport operations, forcing them to adjust fares immediately in Nairobi and other towns.
Under the new pricing structure, commuters who previously paid Ksh100 for a trip may now part with up to Ksh150, depending on the route and distance covered.
Operators warned that the changes could affect thousands of Kenyans who rely on matatus daily for transport to work, school, and business centres.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, transport sector representatives accused the government of failing to cushion operators and commuters from rising operational costs linked to fuel price increases.
The operators further announced plans for a nationwide strike beginning Monday, warning that matatus and other PSV vehicles may withdraw services until their concerns are addressed.
According to matatu association representative Albert Karakacha, operators can no longer absorb the high fuel costs while maintaining affordable fares for passengers.
He said the transport industry had earlier been promised interventions to ease the burden caused by fluctuating fuel prices, but the expected support had not materialised.
Karakacha warned that the strike could lead to major disruptions in transport across Nairobi and other urban centres if no agreement is reached.
Operators also called on motorists, PSV owners, and transport stakeholders to support the protest against rising fuel prices and increasing operational expenses.
The announcement is expected to spark concern among commuters already struggling with the high cost of living and increased household expenses.
The latest fuel review by EPRA saw petrol prices rise by Ksh16.65 per litre, while diesel increased sharply by Ksh46.29 per litre, significantly affecting the transport sector which heavily depends on diesel-powered vehicles.
Industry players say the diesel increase is particularly painful for matatu operators, long-distance buses, and commercial transport providers.
Commuters in Nairobi and other towns now fear possible transport shortages and higher travel costs should the planned strike proceed as announced.
With Monday’s planned action fast approaching, attention now shifts to whether the government and transport stakeholders will reach a solution to prevent widespread disruption in the public transport sector.
