Kenyan commuters are paying more for public transport after matatu operators raised fares by up to 50 per cent, exceeding a 10 per cent adjustment directed by their industry association.
Some operators increased fares on Friday morning, charging Sh150 for routes that normally cost Sh100, adding to the financial pressure on households already grappling with the rising cost of living.
The increases mean commuters are paying as much as Sh50 more per trip on some routes, significantly above the adjustment communicated by the industry association.
“I don’t believe I have been charged Sh150 to town, I feel so bad,” said a passenger by the Name Lynnet Anyango.
The fare hikes has pushed up daily transport expenses for workers who depend on matatus to get to and from work, with low-income earners likely to bear the greatest burden.
Matatus were charging Sh70 to Westlands via parklands a trip that normally costs about Sh50. This is equivalent to a 40 per cent increase
Matatu owners’ boss Albert Karakacha had yesterday directed Saccos to increase fares by 10 per cent.
“Today we woke up, and we found that the fuel has gone up, and as the association, we’ve consulted widely, and we’ve told our members to increase by 10% because we are businessmen and we need to make a profit,” he said.
This meant that for buses charging Sh100 as fare the increment meant that passengers were supposed to pay Sh110.
However right now, for commuters making two trips daily, a fare increase from Sh100 to Sh150 translates into an additional Sh100 a day.
Over 22 working days, the extra cost would amount to Sh2,200 a month, reducing the money available for food, rent, school fees and other household expenses.
The increases also risk raising the cost of doing business as workers and small traders spend more to travel to workplaces, markets and commercial centres.
Public transport is a major expense for many urban households, particularly those living on the outskirts of cities and towns who must travel long distances to access employment and essential services.
The latest increases come at a time when consumers are facing pressure from higher prices of essential goods and services, leaving households with limited room to absorb additional expenses.
“Why is it that whenever the prices drop you don't reduce the fare but whenever it shoots you hike very fast,” asked Patrick Kimutai a passenger at the Khoja bus station.
While the industry association's 10 per cent adjustment was intended to guide operators in responding to changing operating costs, the higher increases imposed by some matatu crews raise questions about compliance and the effectiveness of the directive in controlling fares.
“Is it that every passenger is paying more than the 10 per cent rise or its one passenger paying? Coz the fuel increase is per liter not per person,” said Moses Muthama a resident in Nairobi.
On October 15, the Motorists Association had strongly condemned the latest petroleum price increases announced by EPRA, which will remain in effect until November 14, 2026.
“The Motorists Association strongly condemns the petroleum price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), under its newly appointed Director General, Eng. Edward Mwirigi Kinyua, for the period beginning 15 October and ending 14 November 2026,” the statement read in part.
MAK said landed costs rose by 11.81 per cent for petrol, 11.32 per cent for diesel and 9.41 per cent for kerosene. However, pump prices increased by 6.04 per cent, 4.54 per cent and 14.89 per cent, respectively.
“How does the product recording the lowest percentage increase in landed costs suffer the highest percentage increase at the pump?” the association asked.
