Matatus raise fares as cost of fuel goes up

PHOTO: COURTESY

Motorists have protested the increase in fuel prices, with matatu operators responding by hiking fares.

With the new rates that will be in effect until September 14, a litre of petrol costs Sh97.14, diesel Sh86.7 and kerosene Sh64.43.

Almost all petrol stations in Kisumu town, including National Oil and Wells Oil, have implemented the new rates issued by the Energy Regulation Commission (ERC).

David Ouma, an official of Kistag T Sacco, said the cost of travelling was definitely going to increase.

"Vehicles to places like Migori will have to charge at least Sh600 instead of the normal Sh500," Mr Ouma said.

He said those travelling longer distances would be the most affected by the fare hikes.

"We have no option but to increase fares to recover the cost of travel," he added.

Ouma said most travellers have had a hard time adjusting to the new rates because they do not understand the changes that the ERC put in place.

Kisumu Matatu Owners Association Chairman Evans Andala said their operators were forced to part with at least Sh100 at each traffic road block. "We are being extorted daily basis and this is not good for us," Mr Andala said.