Kenyans have been warned to expect higher matatu fares this Christmas season, even though fuel prices have recently dropped.
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA), which represents most of the country’s public transport vehicles, says that the drop in fuel prices won’t lead to lower fares. Albert Karakacha, the president of the association, explained that the cost of running matatus has gone up because spare parts and maintenance have become more expensive.
“The prices of tyres and spare parts have not gone down. We are still buying spare parts at a higher cost. Even the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has raised its prices, yet we have kept ours the same,” Karakacha said.
He also pointed out that while fares will go up to cover the rising costs, passengers won’t be charged unfairly.
“This year, demand and supply have decreased because of the high cost of living, but we have spoken to our members across the country and agreed that they should be fair with the fares. They should not charge too much,” he said. However, the association has not set a fixed fare for different routes, leaving the final prices to be decided by individual drivers and conductors based on how many passengers are on board.
After the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the price of petrol was reduced by Sh4.37 per litre to Sh176.29, with diesel and kerosene also dropping by Sh3 per litre to Sh176.29 and Sh148.39, respectively.
This is a significant drop compared to the same time last year, when petrol cost Sh212.36 per litre in Nairobi. EPRA stated that these new maximum retail prices will be in effect for the next 30 days, from Sunday, December 15, to January 14, 2025.
The association has also reminded drivers to follow road safety rules during the holiday season.
Karakacha urged drivers to “drive very carefully” to ensure the safety of passengers.
MOA member Angelica Nzilani encouraged passengers to report any reckless driving or rude behavior from matatu operators. “You have the right to speak up. We have people inside all the matatus. Don’t stay silent if you are being transported in an unacceptable way,” Nzilani said.
