Kenyans travelling upcountry are set to face higher transport costs after several long-distance bus companies announced fare increases following the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The adjustments come just days after EPRA raised the prices of super petrol and diesel, significantly increasing operational costs for transport operators across the country.
According to EPRA’s latest review, diesel prices recorded one of the sharpest increases, a move that has directly affected the public transport sector, especially long-distance buses that heavily rely on diesel-powered fleets. The increase pushed many operators to revise ticket prices almost immediately in order to sustain operations and maintain service delivery.
Several major bus companies, including ENA Coach and Easy Coach, have already implemented new fare structures on key routes connecting Nairobi to various upcountry destinations. Passengers travelling to towns such as Kisumu, Eldoret, Migori, Mombasa, and other regions are now expected to pay hundreds of shillings more compared to previous rates.
Transport operators have defended the fare hikes, citing the rising cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and daily operational expenses. Industry players argue that without the adjustments, it would become difficult to maintain services and cover the increasing financial burden caused by the fuel price surge.
The fare increases are expected to further strain many Kenyan households already grappling with the high cost of living. Daily commuters and travellers heading upcountry for work, business, or family visits are likely to feel the impact immediately as transport expenses continue to rise across the country.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the transport sector continue to urge the government to introduce measures that can cushion both operators and consumers from the recurring fuel price shocks. Some transport associations have called for the return of fuel subsidies or policy interventions aimed at stabilizing fuel costs and preventing further fare increases in the future.
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