Commuters across the country are set to pay more for public transport after the Matatu Owners Association announced an immediate increase in fares following the latest fuel price hike.
Speaking during an interview, association president Albert Karakacha said operators had resolved to adjust fares starting Tuesday in response to the sharp rise in diesel prices.
“From tomorrow we’ve been consulting and we will push the prices for bus fare up… because we normally use diesel and the diesel has gone up with 40 shillings,” Karakacha said.
He noted that the increase in fuel costs has significantly raised operational expenses for matatu operators, making a fare adjustment unavoidable.
“If you try to match with what we’ve been spending, it’s around 206,” he added, referring to the new diesel price.
Karakacha said the decision followed consultations with members across the country, with operators expected to implement the new fares immediately.
He, however, acknowledged that the increase would place an additional burden on commuters already grappling with a high cost of living.
“The common mwananchi is the one going to suffer because they are the ones we carry,” he said.
The announcement comes shortly after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority raised diesel prices by over KSh40 per litre in its latest monthly review, triggering concerns over a ripple effect on transport and commodity prices. Petrol prices was increased by Sh28.
The fare adjustment is expected to affect both urban and long-distance travel, with operators citing rising costs of fuel and maintenance as key drivers.
Transport costs are a major component of household expenditure, and the latest increase is likely to further strain consumers as inflationary pressures persist.
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