Kenya: Matatu Operators Announce Fare Hikes As Fuel Prices Surge

What the report says

Matatu operators in Kenya have said they will raise fares immediately after the latest fuel price review, a move expected to increase transport costs for commuters nationwide. The report, published by Capital FM and distributed by AllAfrica, says the announcement followed a sharp increase in pump prices set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) in its monthly adjustment.

Albert Karakacha, who leads the matatu owners’ association, said the higher fuel bill leaves operators with little choice but to pass on extra costs to passengers. He argued that public transport businesses were already under pressure from broader operating expenses and appealed to President William Ruto to keep diesel prices down, given its importance to the sector.

According to the article, EPRA’s new schedule took effect on October 15, 2026 and runs through November 14. The regulator said the changes reflect higher landed costs for imported petroleum products, which Kenya buys in refined form from international markets. The report gives revised wholesale prices for Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret and Kisumu, and says diesel saw one of the largest increases.

The story matters because matatus are a key part of Kenya’s public transport system, so fare hikes can quickly affect household budgets and the cost of moving goods and services. The article also notes criticism from motorists’ groups, which are questioning how EPRA calculated the new prices and seeking more transparency.