Public transport users in Nairobi and various regions of Kenya will face higher charges following the Matatu Owners Association’s declaration of a 25 percent fare increase.
During a press conference on Wednesday, April 15, just one day after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised petrol and diesel prices by Ksh28 and Ksh40, respectively.
The operators maintain that the recent increase, particularly in diesel costs, is untenable for their businesses, stating that it has reduced their daily profits, compelling them to modify fares to stay operational.
“We decided to implement a 25 percent fare increase. For instance, in Nairobi, a vehicle generates approximately Ksh 8,000 daily, and with diesel rising by Ksh 40, this will consume almost Ksh 2,400 per vehicle each day, significantly reducing our profits,” explained a representative from the association.
“We ask the public to comprehend that this is not our preferred course of action. It is beyond our control. We are requesting the government to reinstate fuel subsidies,” the representative added.
This fare adjustment will immediately impact common routes nationwide, particularly in Nairobi and neighboring residential areas.
For daily matatu users, the 25 percent fare hike means additional hundreds of shillings in weekly transportation costs at a time when families are already managing with elevated living expenses.
Along Thika Road, passengers who typically pay Ksh100 during peak hours will now need to pay approximately Ksh125 after the increase. This change will affect residents of Roysambu, Mirema, Garden City, Kasarani, Mwiki, Githurai, and Zimmerman, who depend on public transport to reach Nairobi CBD daily. Off-peak fares previously around Ksh70 on the same route could also increase to about Ksh90, further straining commuter finances.
In general, Nairobi routes that currently charge Ksh80 from the CBD to Kawangware, Kibera, Kangemi, and parts of Mathare are expected to rise to approximately Ksh100. These routes see heavy usage by workers, students, and small-scale traders, indicating that the increase will substantially affect thousands of daily commuters.
Journeys costing Ksh100, such as those from Nairobi CBD to Nyayo Estate, Embakasi, Pipeline, and Donholm, will likely increase to roughly Ksh125-Ksh130. Similarly, commuters traveling to areas like Umoja, Kayole, and Komarock, who pay within this range, will face comparable increases.
Routes currently charging around Ksh150, including those to Rongai, Ngong, Ruaka, Kikuyu, and Thika during busy periods, could climb to nearly Ksh190 after the 25 percent adjustment. This will especially impact workers who commute long distances into the city daily.
Shorter route commuters will also be affected, as trips currently priced at Ksh50, such as between CBD and South B, South C, Industrial Area, and Westlands during off-peak hours, could increase to about Ksh60-Ksh65. Meanwhile, short-distance fares of approximately Ksh30 in areas including Eastleigh, Ngara, Pangani, and Parklands might rise to around Ksh40.
In addition to daily commuters, several operators, particularly those serving Nairobi to upcountry routes, have also modified their fares following the fuel price surge.
Travel expenses from Nairobi to Migori have increased from approximately Ksh1,400 to Ksh1,800 for some bus companies following EPRA’s recent fuel adjustment. The cost of travel from Nairobi to Mombasa has also risen to about Ksh2,000 from roughly Ksh1,500, while fares from Mombasa to upcountry destinations have increased to approximately Ksh3,000 from Ksh2,500.
Prior to the official announcement from matatu operators, passengers have consistently reported fares exceeding the 25 percent increase, raising concerns about how this cap will be enforced.
The Matatu Owners Association is now requesting measures to protect both operators and commuters from additional financial pressure.
They contend that without government intervention, fare increases may become routine whenever fuel prices rise, further burdening Kenyans who rely on public transportation for employment, education, and business activities.