The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has confirmed that it has advised its members to increase fares for long-distance travel.

On Thursday, June 16, the association stated that it has, however, discouraged Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) operating within the Nairobi Metropolitan area from increasing fares.

An official who spoke to the media, explained they have scrapped the off peak discounts within the city and most PSVs will charge a constant price throughout the day.

The association also complained about the high fuel prices and noted that the industry was struggling to remain afloat. It also noted that the stiff competition between SACCOs has also not made things easy for PSV owners.

“We haven’t increased fares within Nairobi although the fuel prices are choking us. But long-distance buses will have to increase fares because the price of fuel has skyrocketed,” the official stated.

Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced new retail prices at Ksh159.12 for a litre of super petrol, Ksh140.00 for a litre of diesel and Ksh127.94 for a litre of kerosene in Nairobi. Fuel prices in the rest of the country were also increased by Ksh9 per litre.

The Matatu sector is among providers of services such as electricity and manufactured goods that have been severely affected by the high cost of petroleum products.

The conflict in Ukraine has also impacted on the prices of fuel that have hit a historic high in the country.

Late last month, the World Economic Forum warned that food, fuel and energy costs will continue to rise in Kenya and many other countries due to the Russia – Ukraine conflict.

Inflation in Kenya hit 7.1 per cent as of May 2022, largely driven by a combination of high world commodity prices and a depreciating value of the Kenya shilling.

The majority of maize, rice, and wheat in Kenya’s domestic market are produced locally but a substantial volume is imported. On the other hand, about 45 per cent of edible oils in the Kenyan market are imported.