The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has ruled out a strike over the latest increase in diesel prices, saying operators will continue working despite the higher cost of running public service vehicles.
MOA president Albert Karakacha said on Sunday, October 18, that matatu operators would have to adjust to the new prices, warning that passengers would ultimately bear much of the burden.
“We will continue running our business. We are business people and we will do what we have to do,” Karakacha said.
He added that he was concerned about the impact of the fuel increase on commuters, who could face higher transport costs as operators deal with rising expenses.
“The ones who will feel the brunt are our customers, and I feel sorry for them because the effects will trickle down to them,” he said.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised diesel prices by KSh9 per litre in its latest review, setting the price at KSh227.76 for the October-November pricing period.
Petrol prices also increased by KSh12 per litre, while kerosene recorded the biggest rise, going up by KSh28 per litre.
Matatu owners raise electric vehicle plan
Karakacha also accused the government of failing to honour an agreement reached during a meeting in Mombasa, where it allegedly promised to help facilitate the importation of more than 100,000 electric public service vehicles.
He said the proposed electric vehicles could help transport operators reduce their dependence on diesel, whose prices have continued to fluctuate.
“We are still discussing the electric buses. If the president is able to give a clear direction on how we will acquire these vehicles, the issue of fuel will be over,” Karakacha said.
The association’s remarks point to electric vehicles as a possible long-term option for operators struggling with fuel costs. However, Karakacha said discussions on how to acquire the vehicles were still ongoing.
Fuel hike sparks calls for action
The latest increase has also drawn criticism from groups representing commuters and other Kenyans concerned about the cost of living.
The Counties Commuters Welfare Association (COCOWA) has given EPRA 14 days to revoke the new fuel prices or face legal action.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, the association argued that the October review had been conducted without public participation or consultations with transport sector stakeholders. It warned that commuters would bear the cost through higher fares.
However, plans for countrywide protests against the escalating costs of fuels and other items of consumption are being organized by activists and human rights advocates for Tuesday, October 20.
This recent news is just months away from a countrywide strike of matatus in May 2026 where operators had withdrawn their services in an attempt to compel the government to reduce fuel costs.
The strike started on May 18 and had paralyzed public transport causing commuters great inconveniences in various regions. However, the strike was suspended on May 19 for talks and terminated on May 22 following a summit between President William Ruto and transport sector representatives at State House in Mombasa.
The government eventually slashed diesel costs by KSh10 per litre to make its price KSh222.86 during the pricing period of June 15-July 14.
Karakacha has since accused the government of going back on assurances allegedly made during the May talks about keeping diesel prices stable in the following months.
For now, the MOA president says matatu operators will continue providing services despite the latest increase, leaving commuters facing uncertainty over the possible effect on fares.