Matatu Operators Want Ruto to Introduce Fuel Subsidies, Explain Why Fare Hikes May Fail

Kenya’s public transport operators have appealed to President William Ruto to introduce fuel subsidies, warning that rising prices are threatening their businesses and daily operations.

The operators say increasing fuel costs have significantly raised operating expenses, leaving many matatu businesses struggling to remain financially sustainable.

They also warn that passengers are spending less on transport, making it difficult for operators to recover additional expenses through fare increases.

The Mass Mobility Operators Association (MMOA) has called on the government to intervene by introducing temporary fuel subsidies to ease the growing financial pressure.

Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, October 24, MMOA Secretary-General Wilfred Bosire said the government had several options to address the situation.

Bosire argued that reducing fuel prices through subsidies would provide immediate relief to public transport operators facing increasing operational costs.

“The government can do something. The government can bring subsidy,” Bosire said, urging authorities to consider measures that would protect the transport sector.

He explained that lowering fuel prices would give operators an opportunity to reconsider their financial strategies without immediately transferring the additional costs to passengers.

The association believes that continuously increasing fares could worsen the situation because many Kenyans are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

According to the operators, commuters have increasingly become cautious about their spending, limiting the amount of money available for daily transport.

The appeal comes days after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced another adjustment to Kenya’s regulated fuel prices.

In its announcement on October 14, EPRA confirmed that the revised prices would take effect on October 15 and remain applicable until November 14, 2026.

In Nairobi, super petrol increased by KSh12.93, bringing the maximum retail price to KSh226.96 per litre.

Diesel prices also increased by KSh9.90, reaching KSh227.76 per litre, while kerosene recorded a significantly higher adjustment.

Kerosene rose by KSh28.49 to retail at KSh219.87 per litre, adding further pressure on households and businesses relying on petroleum products.

The diesel increase is particularly concerning for matatu operators because many public service vehicles depend on diesel to transport passengers.

Higher fuel expenses directly affect daily operations, including vehicle maintenance, staff payments and other costs associated with running public transport businesses.

Operators now fear that maintaining existing fares could reduce their profits, while increasing charges could discourage passengers from using public transport.

The association is therefore asking the government to consider temporary intervention before the situation becomes more difficult for transport businesses.

A fuel subsidy, according to Bosire, would offer operators some breathing room while helping prevent further financial pressure on commuters.

However, the government is yet to announce any response to the association’s latest appeal.

The concerns highlight the growing challenges facing Kenya’s public transport industry as operators struggle to balance rising expenses against passengers’ limited spending power.

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