Kenyans woke up to higher transport costs on Friday after matatu operators increased matatu fares following a sharp rise in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The latest fuel review by EPRA pushed diesel and petrol prices to record highs, sparking anger among motorists, commuters and business owners already struggling with the high cost of living.
With the new pricing system, diesel has risen by Ksh46.29, making it cost Ksh242.92 per litre in Nairobi, whereas petrol has gone up by Ksh16.65 to Ksh214.25. On the other hand, kerosene has maintained its price at Ksh152.78.
After the new pricing structure was announced, a few matatu operators began reviewing their fare structure. The prices will be effective from midnight Thursday to June 14.
On Friday morning, commuters using Super Metro buses from Nairobi CBD to Westlands were paying Ksh50, up from Ksh40. Passengers travelling to Kikuyu were charged Ksh70.
The increase has added pressure on many Nairobi residents who are already grappling with rising prices of food, rent and other basic needs.
With diesel being the main fuel used by matatus, trucks and farm machinery, many Kenyans now fear the higher fuel prices will trigger another wave of price increases across the economy.
On Thursday evening, panic spread across different towns as motorists rushed to purchase fuel at the current prices before the midnight when the new prices became effective.
Motorists had to queue in long lines at fuel stations in Nairobi, Kisumu, Naivasha and Eldama Ravine, taking up to hours just to have their vehicles refueled at the old prices.
The sudden rush was experienced in Naivasha where motorists in Nakuru Highway area tried to access fuel due to the high number of motorists at the fuel stations.
This comes at a time when instability in international oil markets due to the continuing conflict among Iran, Israel, and the US is continuously influencing international fuel prices.
Politicians and activists reacted sharply at the development and criticized the government for its failure to protect Kenyans against the growing cost of living.
Some of the people who condemned the decision include Amemba Magufuli who described the increased prices of fuel as another way of making life harder for many families.
Meanwhile, the owners of Matatus are set to make an official statement on Friday regarding this issue.