Matatu operators have announced new Matatu fare prices following a hike in fuel prices.
Kenyans have been advised to be aware and prepare to pay more than what they initially used to pay.
The Kenya Matatu Owners Association announced that following the spike in petroleum and diesel prices, fares will be increased to cover the losses.
The association said on Friday that fares will increase between Sh30 and Sh50 during peak and off-peak hours for areas around Nairobi and its metropolis.
They shared the new prices of some of the fares that have been increased to various destinations, which are:
“We have affected our fares by 20%, and therefore there are key areas that we have to mention on what they are going to charge.” The MOA chairman
MIGORI ~ 700-800
KISII ~ 500-600
HOMABAY ~400-500
In other areas of the country, the number of people staying in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area will increase slightly by 20Ksh and even 50Ksh, depending on your destination.
“It is not our wish to do that, but we are being forced to do that so that we can also get back the cost of running that,” said one of the MOA members.
Traffic Coordinator and senior of the MOA said that as far as the prices will be increased, they will increase pick hours as well so that they also compensate for the losses the pedestrians are incurring.
“In the evening, the peak hours will begin an hour earlier, start at 4:00 pm, and last until 7:00 pm. During this time, the fare will cost around Sh150. After 7:00 pm, the fare will remain constant at Sh100.”
The new fuel prices have been increased by 20% in all counties. Diesel has a total price of 200.99. Whereas Super Petrol has a total price of 211.64, this applies to all counties in the country as well. The same has also happened to kerosene.
Citizens have shared their opinions on the new prices of fuel, saying they are posing a great challenge to them, especially to those who are using their own cars and opting to use public means. Considering the high cost of fuel, it just makes it way hard for netizens to try and make ends meet, hence urging the leaders to step in and dissolve the situation that is hitting hard.
“Serikali tungeomba tuh kabisa mpunguze bei ya mafuta chini iliwanchi tuskie vizuri.” One of the citizens lamented.