NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 4 – Public Service Vehicles (PSV) are set to increase their daily fares by 30 percent from tomorrow following the increase in fuel prices last week by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
According to the Matatu Owners Association chairman Albert Karakacha, the adjustment of fares will cushion the investors in the transport sector under the organisation.
“After a careful consideration and extensive consultations with stakeholders, MOA has determined that a fare adjustment is necessary to mitigate the impact of these challenges,” stated the Chairman. “Effective 5th July 2023, passengers can expect a moderate increase between 10 – 20 per cent of the current fares charged across the various routes, including town service and long-distance travels,” he added. Petrol is retailing at Sh195 up from Sh179 when EPRA announced the new fuel prices.
Karakacha stated that they are engaging Government agencies and fuel supplies in a bid to find ways of cushioning the public service operators and commuters.
“Meanwhile, we urge the government to subsidize fuel price for PSV operators and alleviate the burden on both matatu operators and passengers. We also make a plea to the public to be patient with us while we look for practical alternatives to spare them from having to delve deeper into their pockets,” he said.
The town services in all regions in Kenya are expected to face a fare increment of between Sh10 and Sh50 while the long distance route travels are expected to hike by Sh100 to Sh300.
The sharp increase in fuel has resulted to hiking of other operational expenses in the matatu sector hence forcing it to reevaluate their prices structure.
Petrol is retailing at 195 shillings up from 179 shillings when Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced the new fuel prices.
