The announcement came just hours after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) revised fuel prices upwards, increasing petrol by Ksh16.65 per litre and diesel by Ksh46.29 per litre. Kerosene prices, however, remained unchanged.
Speaking to the press on Friday, May 15, representatives from the transport sector said the surge in fuel prices had significantly affected their daily earnings, forcing operators to adjust fares in order to remain viable.
They explained that the increased cost of fuel had placed pressure on matatu operators, who now face higher running costs including maintenance, fuel consumption, and general operations across various routes in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
According to the operators, all Public Service Vehicles operating under different routes nationwide are expected to implement the new fare structure immediately. The revised charges will affect daily commuters who rely heavily on matatus and buses for transportation to work, school, and business activities.
The operators further announced a nationwide strike set to begin on Monday, May 18, warning that continued increases in fuel prices would make it unsustainable to maintain regular transport services.
They said the decision to down tools was reached after consultations within the sector, arguing that the current fuel pricing structure had severely strained the industry’s ability to operate efficiently.
The planned strike is expected to disrupt transport services in major towns and cities across the country, potentially affecting thousands of commuters who depend on public transport.
Operators have called on motorists, transport stakeholders, and relevant authorities to engage in dialogue to address the rising fuel costs, which they say are threatening the stability of the sector.
They further urged the government to consider urgent interventions to ease pressure on both operators and passengers, warning that continued inaction could worsen the situation in the transport industry.
Commuters have been advised to prepare for possible disruptions and increased travel costs as uncertainty continues over whether the planned strike will proceed as announced.