Following the increase in gasoline prices, the Matatu Owners Association declared that it will raise bus tickets by at least 30%.
In a press conference on Tuesday, MOA Chairman Albert Karakacha stated that the adjustments will protect investment in the transportation sector.
“There has been a sharp increase in fuel prices and other expenses… We consulted before arriving at a 30 per cent hike,” he said.
Karkacha also argued that prices for vehicle spare parts and tyres have also gone up.
Passengers moving from Nairobi estates to CBD will pay an additional Sh10 or Sh20 in the new changes.
Kajiado, Machakos, Muranga and Kiambu passengers will be charged an extra Sh20 to Sh50 to move within the towns.
From Mombasa CBD to other towns such as Voi, Malindi, Ukunda, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Wundanyi and Mwatate passengers will incur an extra Sh30 to Sh70 on bus fare.
Matatu fares from the Nyanza region to Nairobi and vice versa will increase the fare by Sh100 to Sh200. For the town service, passengers will pay an additional Sh10 to Sh20.
Vehicles heading to Nairobi from Kitale, Bomet, Kericho, Narok, Kapenguria, Baringo, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kapsabet, and Naivasha will charge an extra Sh100 to Sh200.
Those in the Central region (Nyeri, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Murangá, Nyahururu) will charge an extra Sh150 for passengers travelling within these towns.
Bus fares from Western to Nairobi and back will increase by between Sh200 to Sh300.
MOA said the changes follow the new fuel prices by EPRA.
On June 30, EPRA increased fuel prices with petrol retailing at 13.49, Diesel at Sh12.39 and Kerosene at Sh11.96 in Nairobi.
The rise is a result of the Finance Act 2023 which sets VAT on fuel at 16 Percent.
“Pursuant to the Finance Act, 2023, the Value Added Tax (VAT) on Super Petrol (PMS), Diesel (AGO) and Kerosene (IK) has been revised from 8 percent to 16 percent effective 1 July 2023,” EPRA said.
“In Mombasa super petrol will be Sh192.48, diesel Sh176.63 and Kerosene Sh170.4. In Kisumu, the price of super Petrol will retail at Sh195.34, diesel at Sh179.89 and Kerosene at Sh173.68.
In Nakuru super petrol will retail at Sh194.60, diesel at Sh179.14 and kerosene at 172.93.
In Eldoret, super petrol will retail at 195.36, diesel at Sh179.69 and kerosene at Sh173.69.
Previously, Petroleum products were subjected to 8 per cent VAT.
