Matatu Operators Sound Alarm as Fuel Prices Soar, Demand Urgent Subsidy From Ruto

Kenya’s matatu operators have urged President William Ruto to introduce a fuel subsidy, warning that rising operating costs are pushing transport businesses towards financial difficulties while placing additional pressure on ordinary Kenyans.

The Mass Mobility Operators Association says the government must intervene to ease the burden of expensive fuel, arguing that increasing public transport fares may not provide a lasting solution because passengers are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, October 24, 2026, MMOA Secretary-General Wilfred Bosire called on the government to consider temporarily subsidising fuel to help operators maintain their businesses.

“The government can do something. The government can bring subsidy,” Bosire said, insisting that reducing fuel costs would provide much-needed relief to the transport industry.

His appeal comes days after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced fresh fuel price increases that took effect on October 15, further squeezing businesses that depend heavily on petroleum products.

In Nairobi, the maximum retail price of super petrol increased by KSh12.93 to KSh226.96 per litre, while diesel rose by KSh9.90 to KSh227.76.

Kerosene recorded a steeper increase of KSh28.49, bringing its price to KSh219.87 per litre.

The new rates are scheduled to remain in effect until November 14, 2026.

Diesel is particularly important to the public transport sector, where many vehicles rely on the fuel for daily operations.

The latest increase has therefore raised concerns among operators who must balance rising expenses against earnings from passengers.

According to the association, some matatu owners are experiencing losses despite considering fare adjustments to compensate for the additional costs.

However, increasing fares could worsen the situation for commuters, many of whom are already spending a significant portion of their income on transport, food, rent and other essential expenses.

Operators also warn that higher fares could discourage passengers from travelling frequently, reducing their daily earnings and making it even harder to recover their operating costs.

Bosire expressed frustration with the government, questioning whether President Ruto’s administration was adequately addressing the challenges facing public transport operators and low-income Kenyans.

“The President either doesn’t take seriously the transport sector, or he has given up on Kenyans, poor Kenyans who are commuting daily,” he said.

Beyond the proposed subsidy, MMOA wants the government to honour commitments that operators say were made during earlier engagements with the President in June.

The association has called for practical measures to reduce the financial pressure on businesses and protect commuters from further fare increases.

The government had not publicly responded to the latest subsidy demand in the report.

If fuel costs continue rising without intervention, matatu operators fear that businesses and passengers could face even greater financial difficulties in the coming weeks.

https://peopledaily.digital/business/matatu-operators-urge-ruto-to-introduce-fuel-subsidy-as-rising-costs-hit-businesses?fbclid=IwdGRjcAVJffZjbGNrBUl9vGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEeHwArtnqJ_q_653Onk9l2lbz45pRNPVvKRDlGqI-8cmWWJ1h6v1dKncy_NnM_aem_NX0GJrjDiyOkhR_AYTCi0A

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