On Wednesday, June 28th, Matatu Operators announced that they will be increasing the fare starting in July, just in coordination with the Finance Bill that is set to take effect in July 2023.

Speaking during a meeting in Nakuru, Matatu Chairman Albert Karakacha stated that the move was to ensure that they also don’t make a loss out of their business now that everything has gone up.

“There is no way we can continue running our business the same way, yet the tax increase will also increase the prices of fuel across the country,” he remarked.

He urged the public to understand the situation that they are in and comply with the new charges. Still on the same page, he called upon the Matatu operators to not take advantage of the situation and burden their passengers with exaggerated figures that might be difficult for them to afford because they are also trying to balance both living and spending.

“We are asking our members to check when increasing the prices so that they don’t overdo it and hurt our customers.”

President William Ruto approved on Monday, June 26th, the implementation of the increase in fuel’s value-added tax from 8% by putting it in the Finance Bill 2023.

The increase in price will have a significant effect, especially on the fuel price per liter, national revenue, and even the cost of other household products.

Things have become very challenging for Kenyans from trying hard to buy household products that are becoming hard to budget on, i.e., cooking oil and flour, which have had many look for other options available in the market. An increase in fare charges by matatu operators might just be the start of many things to come.