Matatu fare to go up by 30 per cent

By Peter Ochieng

Kenyans using Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), popularly known as matatu will have to dig deeper into their pockets to pay more for fare, starting tomorrow.

Fare is expected to go up by about 30 per cent, starting Wednesday, 5th July, 2023.

Matatu Owners Association (MOA) chairman Michael Kariuki, said fare will shoot up by 30 percent across various routes in towns, and long distances across the country.

Kariuki made the announcement during an address to members of the press on Tuesday.

"We announce with regret that due to fuel prices going up, the sharp increase in fuel cost together with an increase on cost of spare parts, loan interest among others," he said.

"After careful considerations, MOA has determined that fare adjustment is necessary. The decision to effect this hike was not taken lightly however it's essential to strike the balance."

That means, a person travelling from Nairobi estates to the Central Business District (CBD) will pay an additional Sh10 to Sh20.

Fare from Mombasa CBD to other towns such as Voi, Malindi, Ukunda, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Wundanyi and Mwatate has been increased from between Sh30 to Sh70.

From Nyanza region to Nairobi, fare has gone up by between Sh100 and Sh200.

The same amount will apply while traveling from Rift Valley to Nairobi and vice versa.

For Central region, fare has gone up by Sh150, while for Western it has increased by between Sh200 and Sh300.

The fare increase comes in the wake of sharp increase in fuel prices.

Last week, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reviewed upwards the price of super petrol, diesel and kerosene by Sh13.49, Sh12.39 and Sh11.96 respectively, on the backdrop of Value Added Tax (VAT increment on fuel from 8 to 16 per cent.

As such, a litre of super petrol is selling at Sh195.53, diesel retailing at Sh179.67, while a litre of kerosene is going for Sh173.44.

The cost of various basic commodities is also expected to shoot up.