Commuters will have to wait a bit longer for relief after matatu operators said they will not lower fares immediately, even after the recent drop in fuel prices.
The decision comes just hours after Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reduced fuel prices following changes in tax.
But speaking on behalf of operators, Matatu Owners Association boss Albert Karakacha said they need time before making any changes.
He explained that fares will remain as they are for now, even after pressure from passengers who expected an instant drop.
“We need about two to three days to sit down and agree on the way forward,” Karakacha said.
He added that operators had already increased fares when fuel prices went up and cannot just change things overnight.
“We are in business. We have to consult first,” he said.
Across many routes, fares had gone up by about 25 per cent after fuel prices shot up earlier in the week.
Even with slight falls in prices, operators claim that fuel prices are too high for them to reduce fares until considering the overall cost involved.
The changes in the fuel prices have been quite sudden, leaving many individuals within the transport sector wondering what action should be taken next.
The government had first reduced VAT on fuel from 16 per cent to 13 per cent, before lowering it further after public complaints.
This led to a drop in pump prices, with petrol and diesel going down slightly in Nairobi.
Even with that drop, many Kenyans are still struggling with daily costs, especially transport.
For now, matatu operators are asking commuters to be patient as they hold talks before making a final decision on fares.
