Nairobi Matatu Chaos Looms as PSV Operators Declare 50% Fare Hike and Nationwide Strike
Commuters across Kenya are bracing for major disruption after public transport operators announced a sweeping 50 per cent increase in matatu fares alongside plans for a nationwide strike beginning Monday.
The move comes just hours after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced a sharp rise in fuel prices, pushing petrol up by Ksh16.65 per litre and diesel by Ksh46.29 per litre in the latest monthly review.
Matatu operators say the sudden increase in fuel costs has crippled their operations and left them with no option but to pass the burden to passengers.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, transport sector representatives warned that commuters in Nairobi and other major towns should expect significantly higher fares with immediate effect.
Under the revised rates, passengers who previously paid Ksh100 for a trip could now be charged up to Ksh150 as operators seek to cushion themselves against mounting operational expenses.
The operators also declared a nationwide PSV shutdown starting Monday, threatening to paralyse transport services unless the government intervenes to reduce fuel prices.
“We cannot continue operating under these conditions,” said Albert Karakacha, a representative of the matatu association.
“On Monday, there will be strictly no movement of any vehicles. All the roads will be blocked until the government listens to our cry because we had been promised solutions, but the promises did not come to fruition,” he stated.
Karakacha further announced that the 50 per cent fare increment would remain in force indefinitely until authorities address concerns raised by the transport industry.
“We are also urging all our investors in public transport that, effective immediately, we are increasing our fares by 50 per cent,” he added.
The looming strike is expected to trigger widespread disruption in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and other major urban centres where millions of Kenyans rely on matatus for daily transport.
The announcement has sparked fears of Monday morning chaos, with workers, students and businesses likely to face severe commuting challenges if the standoff between operators and the government escalates.
However, Opiyo Wandayi insisted that the government is working to cushion Kenyans from the full impact of rising global fuel prices.
Speaking earlier on Friday, Wandayi attributed the sharp increase in fuel costs to instability in the international oil market driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the government has already initiated consultations with stakeholders in the energy, transport, manufacturing and business sectors to explore sustainable solutions aimed at reducing pressure on consumers.
“We are engaging all relevant stakeholders to identify practical measures that can minimise the impact of rising fuel prices on wananchi,” Wandayi said.
The unfolding standoff now sets the stage for a potentially explosive confrontation between transport operators and the government, with ordinary Kenyans likely to bear the greatest burden through higher fares and possible transport paralysis.
Also Read: Wandayi Explains Fuel Hike, Says Global Crisis Behind Rising Pump Prices