Public service vehicle operators in Kenya have raised fares by 50 per cent following a sharp increase in fuel prices. They also called for a nationwide strike starting Monday.
Matatu operators across Nairobi and other parts of the country announced the fare increase on Friday, May 15. The move follows an announcement by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority that raised petrol prices by Ksh16.65 per litre and diesel prices by Ksh46.29 per litre.
A representative of the matatu association, Albert Karakacha, said the higher fuel costs had made normal operations unsustainable. He stated that fares would rise immediately, with a Ksh100 trip now costing Ksh150.
Karakacha also warned of a complete stoppage of services on Monday. “On Monday, there will be strictly no movement of any vehicles. All the roads will be blocked until the government listens to our cry,” he said.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi attributed the fuel price rises to global oil market instability caused by tensions in the Middle East. He said the government was engaging stakeholders to reduce the impact on consumers.
