Kenyans hit as fuel prices push up transport costs

 

A motorist fuels at Rubis gas station on Koinange Street, in Nairobi on April 15, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

An economic shock hit Kenyans across the country on Wednesday as the latest fuel price hike triggered a sharp rise in the cost of basic goods and services, deepening fears over the rising cost of living.

The impact of the increase was immediate, with players across multiple sectors quickly adjusting prices, passing the burden to consumers already stretched by inflation.

The Motorists Association of Kenya chairman Peter Murima warned that operators could withdraw services if the government fails to review fuel prices downward.

“We are not ruling out industrial action. We are in consultation with industry players and this might take place within three months but has to be supported by consumers who are the end users who suffer this,” he said.

The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) announced an “immediate” 25 per cent fare increase, saying operators had no choice but to cushion themselves against shrinking margins.

“For example in Nairobi, the vehicle gives you around Sh8,000 per day. The increase of Sh40 in fuel is going to take over almost Sh2,000 or Sh2,400 per vehicle per day. So you see, our income is going to go down,” said MOA chairman Albert Karakacha.

“And we are urging our customers who are members of public that it is not our wish to go that direction. We are in business, they’ll have to bear with us,” he added.

Kenya Transporters Association also announced revised transport costs, saying operating expenses will rise by between 13 and 14 per cent.

Truckers Association of Kenya (TAK) directed members to increase charges by 30 per cent, accusing the government of failing to plan and communicate effectively.

“We had hopes with the government that it would not increase fuel at this time, but to our surprise last night we were shocked to hear the announcement,” said the association’s chair, Raphael Lamuya, during a press briefing at their Athi River offices.

In Kitui, commuters along the busy Kitui–Nairobi route were among the hardest hit. A trip that previously cost Sh500 now ranges between Sh600 and Sh700 depending on demand.

A spot check by The Standard established that fuel stations across the country had adjusted pump prices to reflect the new rates issued by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). Some stations, however, were charging above gazetted rates, with reports of petrol selling as high as Sh250 per litre.

Public service vehicles quickly responded with fare increases, with some routes recording nearly double the usual charges.

Matatu operators defended the adjustments, saying they were unavoidable.

“Fuel is everything in this business. When fuel prices go up, we have no choice but to adjust fares, otherwise we operate at a loss,” said Makau Mwendwa, a driver on the Kitui–Thika–Nairobi route.

“We depend on fuel daily. Even a small increase affects us directly. We know the customers are not happy but we must increase our charges to reflect the new reality,” said Jack Nzambi, a bodaboda operator in Mwingi town.

In Nairobi, long-distance bus operators also revised fares immediately. Ena Coach passengers travelling to Western and Nyanza regions via Narok will now pay Sh1,700, up from Sh1,500, while those heading via Nakuru will pay Sh1,800. Nairobi–Mombasa fares rose to Sh2,000, with return trips costing up to Sh3,000.

Ride-hailing and digital taxi operators also announced new charges, saying they would no longer operate under existing platform rates.

Digital boda boda and delivery operators introduced new charges including Sh6 per minute waiting time, Sh100 per stopover per 10 minutes, and similar charges per kilometre beyond a two-kilometre radius.

“We sincerely request our clients and general public to bear with us during this period,” said Digitalboda Drivers and Deliveries Association president Calvince Okumu.

Taxi companies including Uber, Bolt, Little and Yego said minimum fares for up to 3km would now cost Sh450.

In Kisumu, travellers and operators reported immediate pressure, with fares rising across key routes. A Kisumu–Kisii trip that cost Sh500 jumped to Sh800.

Bodaboda operators also adjusted fares, with short distances such as Kisumu Boys Roundabout to Kondele rising from Sh70 to Sh100.

“This fuel increase has really affected us. I used to fuel 37 litres at around Sh5,500, but now the same fuel is about Sh6,000,” said driver Nashon Ochieng.

In Rift Valley, matatu operators in Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Eldoret, Nyandarua, Trans Mara and Nandi also raised fares, with Nyahururu operators increasing prices by 25 per cent.

4NTE Matatu Sacco chairman Wilfred Kimotho said passengers had no choice but to shoulder the burden.

“We have no option but to raise fares. We are in business, but the situation has forced us to do so,” he said.

Passengers travelling Nakuru–Nyahururu will now pay Sh400, up from Sh350, while Nyahururu–Nyeri fares have risen to Sh500.

In Trans Nzoia, operators in Kitale and surrounding areas said they were considering sourcing fuel from Uganda due to lower prices at the border.

Ken Mkangala said fuel prices at Suam border could make cross-border sourcing more viable despite transport costs.

Farmers also raised concerns, warning that higher fuel prices would increase production costs and threaten food security.

“This is a deliberate move to sabotage farming. The government should consider its action,” said Kenya National Federation of Farmers representative Tom Nyagechaga.

At the Coast, transporters said they will review freight charges following the fuel hike, as motorists in Mombasa reported fuel shortages and suspected hoarding at some stations.

The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) warned of a 13–14 per cent rise in freight costs, saying operators could not absorb the increase.

“Members are advised that such a substantial rise in input costs cannot be absorbed sustainably,” said KTA chairman Newton Wang’oo.

Shippers Council of Eastern Africa CEO Agayo Ogambi said the government should have reduced taxes on fuel to cushion consumers.

He warned that the price hike would ripple through the economy, increasing production and transport costs and fueling inflation.

In Migori, fares to Nairobi also rose overnight, with passengers paying up to Sh1,700 from Sh1,500.

In Western Kenya, motorists were buying fuel in smaller quantities as household budget pressure intensified. In Kakamega, petrol was retailing at Sh206.5 per litre and diesel at Sh206.7.

Traders said transport costs had already pushed up the prices of fresh produce, with farmers and vendors passing on the burden to consumers.

In Central Kenya, residents expressed concern as multiple sectors adjusted prices in response to rising fuel costs, with matatu fares along the Meru–Nairobi route also increasing.

Operators said the hikes were unavoidable due to the sharp rise in operating costs.