How Much You Will Pay For Trips To Nairobi CBD After Matatus Hike Fares

The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) on Tuesday, July 4 increased matatu fares by 30 per cent after the new fuel prices were announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Friday, June 30.

MOA Chairman, Albert Karakacha explained that the decision to adjust the fares upwards was to protect investors in the transport sector from being hit by losses.

With the 30 per cent increase, residents will have to pay Ksh30 more with Thika Road users forced to part with Ksh130 from Ksh100 for a one-way trip to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), just like Rongai users.

During off-peak hours, however, matatu operators will charge commuters Ksh90, costs that will also apply to those using Waiyaki Way covering Kikuyu, Regen, Kinoo, Muthiga and Uthiru.

As for those using Jogoo Road covering the Eastlands areas of Nairobi, they will have to pay around Ksh110 from Ksh80, also an increase of Ksh30 implemented by the matatu operators.

During off-peak hours, the cost stands at Ksh60 from the regular average of Ksh40 to Ksh50. 

Passengers travelling from Kitengela town and using Mombasa Road will be charged Ksh130 during peak hours and Ksh70 during off-peak hours.

The cost of Super Petrol as of now reads as follows; in Nairobi, Super Petrol retails at Ksh195.53 per litre, Diesel Ksh179.67 and Kerosene Ksh173.44 per litre.

"Pursuant to the Finance Act, 2023, VAT on Super Petrol, Diesel & Kerosene has been revised from 8% to 16% effective 1st July 2023. Accordingly, EPRA has recalculated the maximum pump prices that will be in force from 1st to 14th July 2023 taking into account VAT at 16%.

"As a result, the changes in the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices in Nairobi are as follows: Super Petrol, Diesel & Kerosene increase by Ksh13.49, Ksh12.39 and Ksh11.96 per litre respectively," EPRA stated in part.

The increase came despite the High Court suspending the implementation of the Finance Act, 2023 pending the determination of a petition filed by Busia senator and activist, Okiya Omtatah.

Omtatah had moved to the High Court to challenge the contentious Act before it was assented into Law by President William Ruto, arguing that the bill which generated uproar across the country is unconstitutional and thus sought the help of the court.

The senator on Sunday, July 2 gave EPRA an ultimatum to obey the High Court order and reverse the change in fuel prices failure to which he would take action by filing contempt proceedings against them.