NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenyans are bracing for a transport crisis after public service vehicle operators announced a 50 percent increase in matatu fares and threatened a nationwide strike over soaring fuel prices.
The Federation of Public Transport Sector, bringing together matatu owners, tour vehicle operators and boda boda associations, said the strike will begin on Monday if the government fails to address their concerns.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, Matatu Owners Association chairman Albert Karakacha accused the government of ignoring the struggles facing transport operators following the latest fuel price hike announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
“On Monday, there will be strictly no movement of any vehicles; all the roads will be blocked until the government listens to our cry,” Karakacha said.
Operators said the fare increment takes effect immediately across matatus, boda bodas and ride-hailing services, warning that the sharp rise in diesel and petrol prices had made operations unsustainable.
The announcement follows EPRA’s latest review that pushed diesel prices to a record Sh242.92 per litre in Nairobi, while petrol rose to Sh214.25.
The increases have triggered public outrage and renewed criticism of the government’s fuel pricing policies.
Transport operators warned that if the strike proceeds, movement of passengers and goods across major towns and highways could be paralysed, further piling pressure on households already struggling with the rising cost of living.
