Matatu Operators Reveal How Rising Fuel Costs Will Affect Passengers

Matatu operators have warned that rising fuel prices could put more pressure on passengers as transport businesses struggle to meet their daily expenses.

The Mass Mobility Operators Association (MMOA) says increasing fares may not solve the problem because some commuters are already spending less on travel.

The association wants President William Ruto to introduce a fuel subsidy to ease the pressure on operators and passengers.

Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, October 24, MMOA Secretary General Wilfred Bosire said the government could temporarily subsidise fuel to help the sector.

Bosire argued that reducing fuel costs would give operators some breathing room as they look for ways to manage their expenses.

The appeal comes after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced new fuel prices on October 14, which took effect on October 15.

In Nairobi, the maximum 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 bigger increase of KSh28.49, bringing its price to KSh219.87 per litre. The rates remain in force until November 14.

The diesel increase is a particular concern for matatu operators because the fuel is essential to running many public service vehicles.

According to MMOA, some vehicle owners are making losses despite considering fare increases to cover the higher cost of operations.

However, raising fares could leave passengers paying more at a time when many households are already struggling with expenses.

The association says some commuters have cut their travel spending, meaning operators cannot rely on fare increases alone to recover their costs.

Bosire also questioned whether the government was doing enough to support the transport sector and low income Kenyans who depend on public transport.

The association is also asking Ruto’s administration to honour commitments it says the President made in June to address challenges facing operators.

However, MMOA has not outlined the specific commitments or explained how much a fuel subsidy would cost and how it would be funded.

The government had not responded to the association’s latest demands in the report.

Passengers now face uncertainty over whether the rising operating costs will lead to higher fares, while operators await government intervention.

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