Kenyans should prepare for challenging times ahead as matatu fares are set to increase in the wake of the surge in fuel prices on Thursday night, according to the Kenya Matatu Owners Association.
Following the notable rise in Petroleum and Diesel prices, the association announced on Friday that fares will be adjusted to offset the losses incurred. It was specified that fares will see an increase ranging from Sh30 to Sh50, both during peak and off-peak hours, particularly in areas surrounding Nairobi and its metropolis.
Brendan Marshall, a senior MOA member and traffic coordinator, pointed out that Kenyans should be prepared to bear the brunt of the situation, considering that the increased fuel prices are likely to have a cascading impact.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke stated that a matatu that initially charged Sh100 during peak hours will now charge between Sh120 or Sh150 and pick hours will extend. The peak hours which previously lasted from 6:00 am to 8:00 am will run up to 10:00 am.
"In the evening, the peak hours will commence at 4:00 pm and extend until 7:00 pm. Within this period, the fare is anticipated to be approximately Sh150. Subsequent to 7:00 pm, the fare will remain steady at Sh100," he added.
Marshall further elaborated that during off-peak hours, fares will see an increment ranging from Sh30 to Sh50.
In practical terms, if a matatu previously charged Sh50, it will now be priced at either Sh70 or Sh80.
Marshall emphasized that these revised fares will take effect immediately.
"From today (Friday), since the fuel prices came into effect at midnight, we did a spot-check and found that some petrol stations were hoarding fuel at around 9:00 pm yesterday so that they adjust new prices so we cannot give a grace period," he told Kenyans. Co.Ke.
According to Marshall, the hike in fares is aimed at cushioning their business from adverse effects occasioned by the fuel hike.
"This will cause a rift between us and our workers because, at the end of the day, targets need to be met. Most of the time, the cars are purchased on loans so the banks expect their cut, the owners expect their cut as well, so it's high time we hike the prices," he added.
"At the end of the month, we have to pay insurance premiums, city council averaging Sh7,000, traffic officers also expect their cut, so this is a dire situation that needs to be addressed, " asserted the traffic coordinator.
In an unprecedented move, fuel prices have surged by up to Sh20 per litre, marking a significant spike that is anticipated to have profound implications for households.
Under this revised pricing, petrol has experienced a surge of nearly Sh17 per litre, while diesel has seen an increase of approximately Sh21.32 per litre.
"The maximum allowed petroleum pump prices in Nairobi are as follows: Super Petrol increases by Sh16.96, Diesel increases by Sh21.32 per litre and Kerosene increases by Sh33.13 per litre," Epra announced on Thursday.
