In Nakuru, fares that previously averaged Ksh450 have risen sharply, with some operators now charging up to Ksh700.
The increases have been attributed to supply constraints and rising operating costs linked to the ongoing fuel shortage.
Operators say the situation has become increasingly difficult, as long queues at petrol stations and uncertainty over supply continue to disrupt their operations.
Many have been forced to spend hours searching for fuel, cutting into their working time and reducing the number of trips they can make in a day.
“We have revised our fares upwards for commuters due to the shortages and challenges we are experiencing in sourcing fuel products.
For now, we usually charge Ksh450 from Nakuru to Nairobi, but we are now charging Ksh600,” one operator told the media during an interview at a petrol station in Nakuru CBD on Tuesday, April 7.
Commuters have expressed frustration over the sudden increase in fares, saying it has made daily travel unaffordable for many.
Some passengers reported being stranded or forced to delay their journeys due to the higher costs, while others have had to adjust their budgets to accommodate the changes.
The fare hikes have also raised concerns about the broader impact on the cost of living, as transport is a key component of daily expenses for many households.
With no immediate resolution to the fuel shortage in sight, there are fears that the situation could worsen in the coming days.
Transport operators are now calling on the government to intervene, warning that the matatu sector, which plays a central role in the economy, is under increasing pressure.
They argue that without swift action to stabilise fuel supply, the sector could face significant disruptions that may affect not only operators but also businesses and workers who rely on public transport.