The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has ruled out an industrial strike following the latest increase in fuel prices, warning that passengers will bear the cost of rising operating expenses.
MOA President Albert Karakacha said on Sunday, October 18, 2026, that matatu operators would continue offering transport services despite the latest increase announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Diesel prices have risen to KSh227.76 per litre in Nairobi, adding pressure to public transport operators who depend heavily on the fuel to run their vehicles.
Karakacha said operators had little choice but to continue running their businesses while adjusting to the higher costs.
He warned that commuters would ultimately feel the impact through increased transport expenses and the rising cost of living.
Matatu Owners Rule Out Nationwide Strike
Addressing concerns about a possible transport shutdown, Karakacha made it clear that matatu owners would not withdraw their vehicles from the roads over the latest fuel price increase.
He said operators would continue serving passengers despite the financial pressure created by rising fuel costs.
The announcement comes months after a nationwide matatu strike in May 2026 disrupted public transport, leaving many commuters stranded and affecting businesses across the country.
The latest decision means commuters should not expect a nationwide matatu shutdown from the association in response to the October fuel price review.
However, passengers may still face higher fares as operators adjust their charges to cover increased expenses.
Diesel Prices Rise to KSh227.76 Per Litre
The latest fuel price review has increased the cost of operating public service vehicles across Kenya.
EPRA raised the price of super petrol by KSh12.93 per litre, diesel by KSh9.90 and kerosene by KSh28.49.
In Nairobi, super petrol is retailing at KSh226.96 per litre, while diesel costs KSh227.76. Kerosene is selling at KSh219.87 per litre.
The new prices took effect on October 15 and are scheduled to remain in force until November 14, 2026.
The increases have raised concerns among transport operators, motorists, businesses and households already struggling with the cost of living.
Karakacha Questions Government Over Electric Vehicles
The Matatu Owners Association president also criticised the government over what he described as delays in implementing commitments to support the introduction of electric public service vehicles.
Karakacha claimed that transport stakeholders had previously been promised assistance in facilitating the acquisition and shipment of more than 100,000 electric vehicles.
He argued that electric buses could help reduce the sector's dependence on diesel and protect operators from frequent fuel price fluctuations.
However, he said the industry was still waiting for clear guidance on how the vehicles would be acquired.
According to Karakacha, a transition to electric public service vehicles could reduce the sector's exposure to rising petroleum costs and help ease pressure on transport businesses.
Commuters Face Pressure as Fuel Costs Rise
The latest fuel increase comes as households and businesses continue to grapple with higher living expenses.
Transport costs affect workers travelling to their workplaces, students commuting to school and traders moving goods between markets.
Separately, the Counties Commuters Welfare Association (COCOWA) has given EPRA a 14-day ultimatum to reverse the latest fuel price increases or face legal action.
The association argues that commuters and transport stakeholders were not adequately consulted before the latest review.
As the debate over fuel prices continues, matatu operators say they will remain on the roads while adjusting to the increased cost of doing business.
For commuters, the key concern remains whether transport fares will rise further in the coming days.