Matatu fares increased by 50%, operators call for countrywide strike over fuel prices

Public transport operators have announced a nationwide strike beginning Monday in protest against the recent increase in fuel prices, warning that transport services across the country could be paralysed.

Representatives of matatu owners, tour vehicle operators and boda boda associations also announced an immediate 50 per cent increase in fares, citing the rising cost of operations following the latest fuel price adjustments.

Speaking on Friday, Matatu Owners Association President Albert Karakacha said operators had resolved to withdraw transport services until the government addresses their concerns.

“On Monday, there will be strictly no movement of any vehicles; all the roads will be blocked until the government listens to our cry because we have been promised, but everything we are promised has not come to fulfilment,” said Karakacha.

The operators warned that the demonstrations would affect most parts of the transport sector since the transport network companies would also be affected by the fare hike.

“All transport network companies, wherever they are, be aware that we are going to increase our prices by 50% because we don’t have the mechanism. I caution you not to block any driver. If you don’t want to go the hard way, make sure you cooperate,” they warned.

The operators blamed the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for failing to protect consumers and transport players from the rising cost of fuel.

“EPRA was set with the hope that it would regulate these industries with the hope that it would actually benefit these industries to the benefit of society. Now it has become the biggest place for cartels to tax Kenyans to death,” said Karakacha.

The latest adjustments pushed the retail price of Super Petrol in Nairobi to Ksh.214.25 per litre, while Diesel now retails at Ksh.242.92.