Matatu owners announce 25% fare hike after fuel price increase

Commuters across the country are bracing for higher transport costs after the Matatu Owners Association announced a hike in bus fares starting today, April 15.

Association chairman Albert Karakacha on Tuesday said the operators will now increase the fare by 25 per cent, a decision that follows the latest increase in super petrol and diesel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

We have consulted widely with our members and we have agreed to increase the fare by 25%  because if you check in Nairobi the vehicle gives you around Sh8,000 per day now if you look at the Sh40 fuel price increase is going to take away about Sh2,400 per vehicle  per day," Karakacha said.

"We are urging our customers, the members of public that it is not our wish to go that direction, we are in business  you have to bear with us and we are urging the government  to try to work on the subsidy to cushion the business and customers."

In its latest review released on Tuesday, April 14, EPRA increased the price of super petrol by Sh28.69 per litre and diesel by Sh40.30 per litre, while kerosene prices remained unchanged, easing only limited pressure on households.

Following the adjustment, Super Petrol, diesel, and Kerosene will now retail at Sh206.97, Sh206.84, and Sh152.78 per litre, respectively. These prices will remain in effect from April 15 to May 14, 2026.

Karakacha noted that operators have been left with little choice but to adjust fares to cushion themselves against rising operational costs.

“Fuel is a major component in our daily operations. With the new prices, we cannot sustain current fares,” he said.

The move is expected to hit thousands of commuters who rely on public service vehicles, commonly known as matatus, for daily transport to work and school.

The fare increase comes barely hours after the regulator reviewed fuel prices upwards, triggering concerns over the ripple effect on the cost of living.

Transport operators say the hike is necessary to keep businesses afloat, but passengers now face the burden of digging deeper into their pockets.

The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has also announced a significant increase in operating expenses following a steep jump in diesel prices.

In an advisory issued on April 14, the association said diesel prices have surged by Sh40 per litre, rising from Sh163 to Sh203 — a 24.5 per cent increase.

KTA chairman Newton Wang’oo warned that the spike will have a direct impact on the cost of transport across the country, noting that fuel accounts for the largest share of operating expenses in the sector.

“Fuel constitutes approximately 55 per cent of total operating costs in road freight transport,” the advisory stated.

Using its cost impact formula, the association estimates that the fuel hike will translate into a 13 to 14 per cent increase in overall transport operating costs.

KTA said such a substantial rise cannot be absorbed by operators, urging members to immediately review their cost structures and adjust transport rates to reflect the new reality.

“Members are advised that such a substantial rise in input costs cannot be absorbed sustainably,” the statement read.

The association also called on transporters to engage customers and contractual partners promptly, clearly communicating the reasons behind the adjustments to maintain transparency and continuity of service.