Mwanamwana
Platinum Member
- Aug 1, 2011
- 9,604
- 22,722
Chama cha Wamiliki wa Matatu (MOA) kimetangaza rasmi ongezeko la nauli nchi nzima, kikieleza kuwa gharama za uendeshaji zimepanda kwa kiasi kikubwa ambacho hakiwezi kuhimiliwa na wasafirishaji pekee.
Rais wa chama hicho, Albert Karakacha, amebainisha kuwa dizeli ndiyo nishati kuu inayotumiwa na vyombo vingi vya usafiri wa umma na mizigo, hivyo kupanda kwake kunamlazimu mwananchi wa kawaida kubeba mzigo huo wa gharama za ziada.
Kwa upande mwingine, Chama cha Wasafirishaji Kenya (KTA) kimeshauri wanachama wake kurekebisha bei za kusafirisha mizigo kwa takriban asilimia 13 hadi 14.
Ingawa serikali imejitahidi kupunguza makali kwa kushusha kodi ya VAT kutoka asilimia 16 hadi 13 na kutoa ruzuku ya bilioni 6.2 kupitia mfuko wa petroli, bado bei mpya ya Ksh206.84 kwa dizeli inatajwa kuwa pigo kubwa kwa uchumi na gharama za maisha nchini humo.
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Commuters across Kenya are bracing for higher transport costs after matatu operators warned of imminent fare hikes following a sharp increase in fuel prices.
The move comes after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised fuel prices in its latest monthly review, pushing the cost of diesel and petrol above KSh200 per litre for the April–May 2026 cycle.
Diesel, the primary fuel used by public service vehicles, recorded one of the steepest increases—rising by over KSh40 per litre, a jump that has significantly impacted transport operators’ cost structures.
In response, the Matatu Owners Association announced that fares would increase immediately, with some operators indicating hikes of up to 30 percent to cushion themselves against rising operational costs.
“We cannot sustain current fares with the new fuel prices,” said association chairman Albert Karakacha, noting that fuel accounts for a substantial portion of daily operating expenses.
Industry data shows that fuel contributes approximately 55 percent of total transport costs, meaning any increase in pump prices has a direct and immediate effect on fares.
The Kenya Transporters Association also warned that the latest fuel hike could lead to a 13–14 percent increase in overall transport costs, further compounding the situation for both operators and consumers.
For millions of Kenyans who rely on matatus for daily commuting, the fare adjustments are expected to strain already stretched household budgets, potentially driving up the cost of living across sectors.
While operators insist the increases are necessary for business survival, commuters now face the reality of digging deeper into their pockets as fuel costs continue to rise.
The big question remains: how much more can the ordinary Kenyan absorb?
Rais wa chama hicho, Albert Karakacha, amebainisha kuwa dizeli ndiyo nishati kuu inayotumiwa na vyombo vingi vya usafiri wa umma na mizigo, hivyo kupanda kwake kunamlazimu mwananchi wa kawaida kubeba mzigo huo wa gharama za ziada.
Kwa upande mwingine, Chama cha Wasafirishaji Kenya (KTA) kimeshauri wanachama wake kurekebisha bei za kusafirisha mizigo kwa takriban asilimia 13 hadi 14.
Ingawa serikali imejitahidi kupunguza makali kwa kushusha kodi ya VAT kutoka asilimia 16 hadi 13 na kutoa ruzuku ya bilioni 6.2 kupitia mfuko wa petroli, bado bei mpya ya Ksh206.84 kwa dizeli inatajwa kuwa pigo kubwa kwa uchumi na gharama za maisha nchini humo.
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Commuters across Kenya are bracing for higher transport costs after matatu operators warned of imminent fare hikes following a sharp increase in fuel prices.
The move comes after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised fuel prices in its latest monthly review, pushing the cost of diesel and petrol above KSh200 per litre for the April–May 2026 cycle.
Diesel, the primary fuel used by public service vehicles, recorded one of the steepest increases—rising by over KSh40 per litre, a jump that has significantly impacted transport operators’ cost structures.
In response, the Matatu Owners Association announced that fares would increase immediately, with some operators indicating hikes of up to 30 percent to cushion themselves against rising operational costs.
“We cannot sustain current fares with the new fuel prices,” said association chairman Albert Karakacha, noting that fuel accounts for a substantial portion of daily operating expenses.
Industry data shows that fuel contributes approximately 55 percent of total transport costs, meaning any increase in pump prices has a direct and immediate effect on fares.
The Kenya Transporters Association also warned that the latest fuel hike could lead to a 13–14 percent increase in overall transport costs, further compounding the situation for both operators and consumers.
For millions of Kenyans who rely on matatus for daily commuting, the fare adjustments are expected to strain already stretched household budgets, potentially driving up the cost of living across sectors.
While operators insist the increases are necessary for business survival, commuters now face the reality of digging deeper into their pockets as fuel costs continue to rise.
The big question remains: how much more can the ordinary Kenyan absorb?
