AfriPulse
Transport operators and matatu saccos across the country have announced an immediate fare increase following the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which took effect at midnight.
The move comes after EPRA raised the prices of key petroleum products for the April to May 2026 cycle, with diesel, widely used in public transport and freight, recording a sharp increase that has triggered a ripple effect across the transport sector.
In its latest review released on Tuesday, April 14, EPRA increased the price of Super Petrol by Ksh28.69 per litre and Diesel by Ksh40.30 per litre, while kerosene prices remained unchanged, easing only limited pressure on households.
Following the adjustment, Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will now retail at Ksh206.97, Ksh206.84, and Ksh152.78 per litre, respectively. These prices will remain in effect from April 15 to May 14, 2026.
Matatus heading to Nairobi CBD during traffic along Ngara
Photo
Jalang’o
In response, the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) issued an advisory to its members, warning that the significant rise in diesel costs would directly impact overall transport expenses and could not be absorbed by operators.
The association noted that diesel prices had surged by Ksh40 per litre, representing an approximate 24.5 per cent increase, a development it described as a major shock to the cost structure of road freight services.
According to KTA, fuel accounts for about 55 per cent of total operating costs in road transport, meaning any fluctuation in pump prices has an immediate and substantial effect on pricing models across the sector.
Using its internal cost analysis formula, the association estimated that the latest fuel hike translates to an overall increase of approximately 13 to 14 per cent in transport operating costs.
KTA advised its members to urgently review their pricing structures and adjust transport rates to reflect the new cost realities, warning that failure to do so would undermine business sustainability.
“Members are advised that such a substantial rise in input costs cannot be absorbed sustainably. It is therefore necessary for all members to immediately review their cost structures and adjust transport rates accordingly to reflect the new cost realities,” the association said.
Operators were further urged to engage clients and contractual partners transparently, explaining the basis of the fare increments to maintain service continuity and avoid disruptions in supply chains.
On his side, the Matatu Owners Association President, Albert Karakacha, said that from Wednesday, April 15, they would have no choice but to adjust the prices upwards.
“We have been consulting, and from tomorrow, we will push the prices for bus fares upwards. If you see the new prices, diesel has really gone up, and that is what we use most, so that has to go to the common mwananchi,” Karakacha said.
Meanwhile, EPRA indicated that despite the price hikes, the government had reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 13 per cent and deployed about Ksh6.2 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy to cushion consumers.
An image of a fuel pump.
Photo
Motorists Association of Kenya
Source: Kenyans.co.ke | Read the Full Story…
