PSVs Hike Fares After Rise in Fuel Prices

Kisii,

Monday, September 18 2023

KNA by Warren Christopher and Simon Nyabuto

Matatu operators in Kisii town have increased the fare prices to various destinations following the changes in petroleum, diesel and kerosene prices by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) last week. 

The revised pump prices will see super petrol retailing at Sh211.64, diesel at Sh200.99 and kerosene at Sh202.61 per litre.

A spot check by KNA on Monday at Kisii Main Stage revealed that public service vehicles, particularly those traveling to other towns, had increased their fares by between Sh100 to Sh. 200.

For instance, Ena Coach and Transline Shuttles traveling from Kisii to Kisumu are now charging passengers Sh600, up from Sh500 earlier last week.

According to Julius Nyanchama, a stage attendant at Smartline Shuttle, passengers going to Nakuru from Kisii will now be forced to pay Sh1000 up from Sh800.

Notably, Premium Shuttle plying the Kisii-Kisumu and Kisii-Nairobi routes are yet to increase the fare prices, but passengers have expressed fears saying they might be forced to make the adjustments sooner. 

"We are still considering making the changes which will see the transport prices from Kisii to Nairobi move from Sh1300 to Sh1400 while Kisii to Kisumu will be moved from Sh. 500 to Sh. 600," said Moricho Nyakina, an attendant at Premium Shuttle. 

Nyakina noted that passengers have expressed their unwillingness to pay the extra cash in case the shuttle hikes the fare prices. 

He urged the government to consider lowering the cost of fuel adding that low-income earners are already struggling with the current tough economic times. 

In addition, local commuters traveling from Kisii to Gucha and Kisii to Mosocho noted the transport cost has risen from Sh.100 to Sh.120 and Sh.70 to Sh.100 respectively.

According to EPRA, the increased prices of fuel has been brought about by the increased average cost of imported refined petroleum products. 

Courtesy; KNA