Matatus to hike fares starting today over high fuel prices

Matatus will increase their fares starting today.

Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) says the hike is due to the recent increase in pump prices of fuel.

The price of petrol increased by KSh20.18, diesel by KSh25 and kerosene by KSh20 in the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

In Nairobi, the products are priced at KSh179.30, KSh165 and KSh147.94 per litre, respectively. This price increase was as a result of removal of fuel subsidies by the new administration of President William Ruto.

Its notable that the subsidy for diesel and kerosene was retained in order to cushion consumers from high prices.

“We are having a major meeting that brings together all players in the transport sector,” FPTS chairman Edwin Mukabana told the ‘Business Daily’. “One of the resolutions will include countrywide adjustment on PSV fares by between 20-30 percent.”

The planned increase in matatu fares means commuters on all routes will feel the pinch. A 30% increase means that peak-hours commute from Umoja residential estate to the city centre, for example, will be KSh130 up from KSh100.

Those in the Ruto administration have urged for patience as the government works on a long-term plan to solve the pricing crisis.

During his inauguration speech, President Ruto said Kenyan taxpayers have spent a whooping KSh 60 billion in the last four months on subsidies alone. “If the subsidy continues to the end of the financial year, it will cost the taxpayer KSh 280 billion, equivalent to the entire national government development budget," he said.

Kandara MP Alice Wahome who is a member of the governing UDA party said yesterday: "The pinch to consumers is temporary. Let’s support the new President’s policies. Be patient for the benefits will be beneficial in the long run.”