You will still pay higher fares despite fuel price drop, matatu association says
By Lucy Mumbi |
The association has not issued a standard fare for different routes, leaving the final pricing to be determined by individual drivers and touts based on the number of passengers.
Kenyans have been urged to brace for higher fares this Christmas season, despite a recent decrease in fuel prices.
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA), which oversees the majority of public service vehicles in the country, has announced that the reduced fuel costs will not result in lower fares for passengers.
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According to the president of the association Albert Karakacha, the cost of running matatus has increased due to the rising prices of spare parts and daily maintenance.
"The prices of tyres and spare parts have not been reduced. We are still buying spare parts at a higher cost. Even the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has reviewed its prices higher, yet we have maintained ours," Karakacha said.
He further emphasised that while fares would rise to reflect the growing operational costs, passengers would not be overcharged.
“This year, demand and supply have gone down because of the cost of living, but we have talked to our members across the country and agreed that they should be fair when they are charging the fare. They should not charge too high," he said.
However, the association has not issued a standard fare for different routes, leaving the final pricing to be determined by individual drivers and touts based on the number of passengers.
Following EPRA's latest review, the retail price of petrol was reduced by Sh4.37 per litre to Sh176.29, with the prices of diesel and kerosene also falling by Sh3 per litre to Sh176.29 and Sh148.39 respectively.
This is a marked decrease from the same period in 2023 when petrol cost Sh212.36 per litre in Nairobi. EPRA noted that the calculated maximum retail prices for petroleum products would be in force for the next 30 days from Sunday, December 15 to January 14, 2025.
The association has also reminded drivers to observe road safety regulations during the festive season.
Karakacha urged drivers to "drive very carefully" to ensure passenger safety.
MOA member Angelica Nzilani also encouraged passengers to report reckless driving or any disrespectful behaviour by matatu operators.
“You have the right to speak out. Our contacts are inside all the matatus. Don't keep quiet if you are being transported in a manner that is unacceptable," Nzilani said.
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