Matatu fares are expected to rise by 10% following the latest fuel price increases, with commuters paying more for daily transport as operators announce fare adjustments and motorists threaten demonstrations over rising petroleum costs.
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) revealed on Thursday, October 15, that it had instructed its members to increase fares to cushion their businesses against the rising cost of fuel.
The proposed increase means passengers currently paying Ksh60 could pay Ksh66, while those paying Ksh120 would see fares rise to Ksh132. Commuters paying Ksh150 could pay Ksh165, while a Ksh200 fare would increase to Ksh220.
The additional costs could significantly affect passengers who make daily return journeys to work, school and other destinations. For instance, a commuter paying Ksh120 per trip would spend Ksh264 daily on return journeys, up from Ksh240. Over 22 working days, monthly transport expenses would rise from Ksh5,280 to Ksh5,808, an increase of Ksh528.
Similarly, a passenger whose one-way fare is Ksh60 would spend Ksh2,640 monthly on return journeys over 22 working days, up from Ksh2,640.
The association also accused the government of failing to honour agreements reached during previous negotiations, claiming that attempts to engage senior officials had gone unanswered.
"The President has failed to honour the agreement we had in Mombasa. We have been trying to reach the CS Transport, he is no longer picking our calls," said MOA.
The announcement follows the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which increased petrol prices by Ksh12.93 per litre, diesel by Ksh9.90 and kerosene by Ksh28.49.
Under the revised prices, super petrol retails at Ksh226.96 per litre in Nairobi, while diesel costs Ksh227.76 and kerosene Ksh219.87. In Mombasa, petrol sells at Ksh223.81 per litre, diesel at Ksh224.61 and kerosene at Ksh216.71.
Motorists Threaten Protests
Meanwhile the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has warned that it could mobilise motorists, transport operators and other Kenyans for peaceful demonstrations if the government fails to address concerns over rising fuel prices and petroleum pricing.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, MAK said it would consult its members on coordinated public mobilisation, accusing the government and EPRA of failing to adequately explain the latest price adjustments.
The association has demanded an independent review of the October-November fuel price changes, an audit of the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) petroleum importation arrangement and the publication of detailed pump-price calculations.
MAK also wants the government to disclose the Petroleum Development Levy Fund's receipts, disbursements and stabilisation balances, alongside a review of petroleum taxes and levies.
The association questioned why kerosene prices increased by Ksh28.49 per litre, compared with Ksh12.93 for petrol and Ksh9.90 for diesel, despite kerosene recording the lowest percentage increase in reported landed costs.
"An explanation is not scientific merely because it contains figures. It becomes scientific when its assumptions, methodology and calculations can be independently examined and reproduced,” MAK stated.
It further wants Parliament, the Auditor-General and the Competition Authority of Kenya to scrutinise petroleum procurement and pricing arrangements.
Parliament Moves to Extend VAT Relief
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has passed the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, seeking to retain VAT on petrol, diesel and kerosene at 8% for another three months instead of reverting to 16%. The proposed extension comes as households and motorists contend with rising fuel and transport costs.
In May 2026, motorists and other Kenyans took to the streets to protest a similar fuel price increase. MAK has yet to announce a date for its proposed demonstrations.
