Matatu operators have warned that as from Saturday 18, 2021 fare prices will be increased in a statement released on Friday.
The matatu operators said that the fare prices will increase by 10% up to 20% across all public service vehicles.
According to the operators, the recent hike on the prices of petrol and diesel have forced them to resolve to rise the fare prices.
Matatu Owners Association Chairperson Simon Kimutai said that decision to hike fare prices had not been discussed among the association members but said that the operators were justified to increase the fare because of the new fuel prices.
“The industry is liberalized and Saccos have the freedom to determine increases or decreases in fares using their own parameters. They can do their own cost accounting and come up with new prices for their routes,” Kimutai stated.
On September 14, the Energy and Petroleum Ragulatory Authority announced that the fuel prices had been increased for the next one month.
EPRA announced that Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will retail at Sh134.72, Sh115.60 and Sh110.82 per litre respectively in Nairobi.
The move to raise the fuel prices to up to Kshs17 has caused an uproar among citizens and politicians.
ODM leader Raila Odinga urged the government to lower the prices immediately so as to lower the burden of Kenyans who are struggling with the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.
“Kenyans who have been struggling to put food on the table since the onset of the pandemic now stand to have their collective plight worsened by the increased fuel prices. The prices should be lowered immediately to cushion the ordinary Wananchi,” Odinga said.
The Senate on its side has summoned the Energy CS Charles Keter and his Petroleum and Mining counterpart John Munyes to appear before the senators on Tuesday next week to shed more light on the issue.
“I direct that the committee on Energy immediately issue summonses to the two Cabinet Secretaries and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to appear on Tuesday. All senators should be invited to sit at this chamber,” Speaker Ken Lusaka said on Wednesday, September 15.
RELATED STORY: “Makosa Sio Ya Uhuru” Ruto Defends His Boss President Uhuru Over Fuel Price Hike
