67 in its latest review on July 14, for the next one month up to August 14.
The new prices are Sh186.31 for petrol, Sh171.58 for diesel, and Sh156.58 for kerosene per litre in Nairobi, although the prices are supposed to be slightly lower in Mombasa.
However, the Matatu Owners Association held a meeting last Thursday and announced they will maintain the current fares.
“The increase in fuel prices affects us as matatu owners greatly. But with Kenya’s economic situation where majority of our clients live from hand to mouth, with poor pay, increasing fares will only increase their burden because they will not be able to sustain themselves,” Matatu Owners Association Coast coordinator Salim Mbarak told the Star on the phone.
On Sunday, commuters mostly from Bamburi in Kisauni and Nyali said the matatu owners have done justice to them.
“I have two children in school and increasing the fares would have been a big blow to me. Already I am struggling to pay the fares for the two each morning,” Mark Musyoka, a shopkeeper in Bamburi, said.
Musyoka said he has had to take his children too early to school to avoid the rush hour, where the fares are at their peak.
“I wake up at 4 am, cook tea for them before waking them up and preparing them for school. At 5.30 am, I am usually at the stage with them. Then the prices are not that high and I usually pay Sh50 or Sh60 when I bargain the fares to town,” he said.
The fare from Bamburi to Likoni and Docks is usually Sh80 at peak hours.
“I spend Sh180 to take them to school every morning and since I have to come back and open my shop, I spend another Sh50. That means I spend Sh230, at least, every day to take them to school,” Musyoka said.
Some of the matatus, the pimped ones, usually charge Sh100.
Mbarak said if matatus increased fares every time fuel prices increase, Kenya would be having the most expensive transportation costs in the world.
“So, in Mombasa and the Coast region, we have agreed all the matatu Saccos will not increase our fares,” Mbarak, who is also a member of the MoA National Governing Council, said.
He said there is no other way but for matatu owners to try as much as possible to cut down costs instead of increasing fares.
Mbarak urged Epra to crack the whip on rogue petrol stations that extort the market by selling adulterated fuel, which damages engines.
The said petrol stations sell fuel at shockingly low prices but which has long-term negative effects on vehicles.
He said the last time fares at the Coast were increased was on July 6, 2023.
In Mombasa, fare from Bamburi Mwisho to Likoni Ferry and Docks remains at Sh80.
From Tudor to Likoni Ferry and to Docks, the fare remains at Sh50, and from stage to stage between the routes it is Sh40.
From Magongo to Likoni Ferry and Docks remains at Sh80.
Mtwapa to Likoni Ferry and Docks should fetch Sh100.
Moving from Mombasa to Malindi still costs a commuter Sh600 for an express matatu and Sh700 for a shuttle.
Likoni to Ukunda costs Sh150.
“We have no intention of increasing fares and if there is any need, we will announce the new price lists, which must be clearly displayed in matatus,” Mbarak said.
“In case you see a matatu increase its fares, the extra money goes into the pockets of the drivers and conductors and does not reach the matatu owner,” he said.
“Any matatu that will increase fares should be reported for appropriate action. We have not increased any fares and no matatu should. Do not allow yourselves to be robbed,” Mbarak told commuters.
He urged them to note down the registration number of any matatu that will ask for higher fares.
“Report these matatus to the nearest police station and to their Saccos,” the MOA Coast coordinator said.
by BRIAN OTIENO