Passengers will pay more to travel starting Wednesday April 15, 2026, after matatu operators announced an immediate fare hike, citing a steep jump in pump prices set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The increase follows EPRA’s latest review, which pushed diesel and super petrol to record levels.
According to reports from the Matatu Owners Association and Kenya Transporters Association, EPRA announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, with Super Petrol and Diesel rising by KSh 28.69 and KSh 40.30 per litre, respectively, to cross the KSh 200 mark in Nairobi. In Nairobi, Petrol will retail at KSh 206.97 and Diesel at KSh 206.84, while Kerosene remains stable at KSh 152.78.
Matatu Owners Association chairman Albert Karakacha said operators had no choice but to adjust fares at once to stay on the road.
“Fares will rise immediately to cover the high operational costs,” Karakacha confirmed, noting that fuel takes up a huge share of daily expenses for crews and vehicle owners.
Industry players estimate the fuel spike has pushed overall operating costs up by 13-14%, a burden they say cannot be absorbed any longer.
“Operators indicated they can no longer absorb the high cost of fuel, which represents a massive chunk of their operating expenses,” a statement from the associations read.
The adjustments will apply nationwide, hitting both city routes and long-distance services.
Commuters in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and other towns should expect higher charges beginning Wednesday, with saccos expected to post new rate charts at terminals.
The fare review comes as households already grapple with rising costs of living.
Transport lobbies have asked regulators to consider cushioning measures for the public service vehicle sector, but said the immediate fare changes were unavoidable to keep fleets running.
EPRA’s pricing schedule takes effect on April 15, 2026, triggering the new fares across all matatu stages from the same date.
