Matatu operators will pass higher fuel costs to passengers as motorists demand a detailed explanation of EPRA’s latest price review.
Matatu fare hikes will take effect immediately following the latest increase in fuel prices, operators announced on October 15. Matatu owners’ association boss Albert Karakacha said operators would pass the additional fuel costs to passengers.
The announcement follows the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s monthly review, which raised diesel prices by Sh9.90 per litre. EPRA also increased Super Petrol prices by Sh12.93 per litre and kerosene by Sh28.49.
The new fuel rates apply from October 15 to November 14, 2026. Commuters therefore face higher travel costs as operators adjust fares to cover the increases.
Matatu fare hikes add to commuter costs
Karakacha said the fuel increase had deepened financial pressure on an industry already facing high operating costs. He also appealed to President William Ruto to honour his earlier pledge to keep diesel prices low.
Diesel costs matter particularly to public transport operators because many vehicles serving commuters rely on the fuel. Higher transport expenses could also affect goods and essential services if businesses pass those costs to consumers.
Motorists demand clarity on fuel calculations
Meanwhile, the Motorists Association of Kenya questioned EPRA’s calculations and demanded greater transparency in setting pump prices. In its October 15 statement, MAK argued that retail increases did not correspond proportionately with changes in import costs.
The association cited landed-cost increases of 11.81 per cent for petrol, 11.32 per cent for diesel and 9.41 per cent for kerosene. By comparison, it put pump-price increases at 6.04 per cent, 4.54 per cent and 14.89 per cent respectively.
MAK acknowledged that taxes, levies, transport costs and stabilisation adjustments also influence retail fuel prices. However, it urged EPRA to publish a detailed breakdown explaining the latest calculations.
The association also challenged EPRA’s explanation for part of the kerosene increase. The regulator said narrowing the price gap between kerosene and automotive fuels would help discourage fuel adulteration.
In addition, MAK called for an independent audit of the Government-to-Government fuel import arrangement. It wants the review to establish whether the arrangement offers savings compared with competitive procurement.
The association warned that it could organise peaceful demonstrations if the government failed to address its concerns. It said it could mobilise motorists, transport operators, traders, commuters and other stakeholders.
EPRA points to higher petroleum import costs
EPRA attributed the adjustments to higher costs for imported refined petroleum products. The regulator said Kenya imports all its petroleum requirements in refined form, using international pricing benchmarks.
Average landed petrol costs rose from US$874.26 per cubic metre in August to US$977.55 in September 2026. Over the same period, diesel increased from US$957.05 to US$1,065.38 per cubic metre.
Kerosene import costs also climbed, from US$1,003.87 to US$1,098.31 per cubic metre.
Under the new schedule, Nairobi’s maximum wholesale prices are Sh211.89 per litre for petrol and Sh212.68 for diesel. The corresponding kerosene wholesale ceiling is Sh204.79 per litre.
