Matatu Owners Association has announced a 25% increase in fares across the country, following the rise in fuel prices as per yesterday’s EPRA review.
Speaking to members of the press on Wednesday April 15, 2026, the association led by it chairperson Albert Karakacha, said the fare adjustments will take effect immediately and will apply to both short and long-distance travel.
Their remarks come a day after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increased petrol and diesel prices by Ksh28 and Ksh40, respectively.
“We agreed that we are going to increase fares by 25 per cent. If you check, for example, in Nairobi, the vehicle gives you about Ksh 8,000 per day, and an increase of diesel by Ksh 40 is going to take almost Ksh 2,400 per vehicle per day and so our profit is going to go down,” Karakacha said.
Mr. Karakacha called on the government to reintroduce fuel subsidies to ease the burden on motorists and commuters, while also urging authorities to crack down on cartels in the energy and petroleum sector.
He appealed for understanding from commuters, explaining that the sharp rise in diesel prices has placed an unsustainable burden on operators.
“We are urging members of the public to understand that it is not our wish to go that direction. It is above us. We are urging the government to bring back the subsidy,” Karakacha added.
For those travelling within Nairobi, the normal fare from the CBD to estates such as Kayole, Kasarani, Umoja, Kibera, and Mathare has been around KSh 80. With the new 25 per cent increase, commuters are now likely to pay about KSh 100.
Trips that currently cost about KSh 100, such as those from Nairobi CBD to Chokaa, Ruai, Thika, Rongai, and Ngong, are expected to rise to approximately KSh 130.
Travellers to and from upcountry destinations such as Nyanza and Western will have to dig deeper into their pockets.
Initially, most bus companies charged around KSh 1,500 to towns including Migori, Siaya, Busia, and Kakamega. However, following the sharp rise in fuel prices, passengers are now likely to pay about KSh 1,800 for the same journeys.
