Commuters nationwide are set to feel the pinch after the Matatu Owners Association announced a 30 per cent increase in fares, effective today, April 15.

Speaking on Tuesday, Association chairman Albert Karakacha said the decision was driven by the recent surge in fuel prices, which has significantly raised operating costs for transport operators.

The latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), released on April 14, saw super petrol prices rise by Sh28.69 per litre and diesel by Sh40.30 per litre, while kerosene prices remained unchanged. The revised prices now place super petrol at Sh206.97, diesel at Sh206.84, and kerosene at Sh152.78 per litre. These rates will apply from April 15 to May 14, 2026.

Karakacha explained that the fare adjustment was unavoidable given the circumstances.
“Fuel is a major component in our daily operations. With the new prices, we cannot sustain current fares,” he said.

The increase is expected to impact thousands of Kenyans who depend on matatus for daily commuting, adding further pressure to already strained household budgets.

The fare hike follows closely on the heels of the fuel price review, raising concerns about a broader ripple effect on the cost of living.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has also flagged a sharp rise in operating expenses, particularly due to the spike in diesel prices.

In a statement issued on April 14, the association noted that diesel costs had jumped by about Sh40 per litre, moving from Sh163 to Sh203 , representing a 24.5 per cent increase.

KTA chairman Newton Wang’oo warned that the increase would directly affect transport costs across the sector, emphasizing the heavy reliance on fuel.

“Fuel constitutes approximately 55 per cent of total operating costs in road freight transport,” the advisory stated.

Based on its cost analysis, the association projects that the fuel price hike will push overall transport operating costs up by 13 to 14 per cent.

KTA maintained that such increases are unsustainable for operators to absorb, urging members to reassess their pricing structures accordingly.

“Members are advised that such a substantial rise in input costs cannot be absorbed sustainably,” the statement read.

The association further encouraged transporters to engage openly with clients and partners, explaining the need for the adjustments to ensure continued service delivery.