Matatu operators in Kisii on Monday said they have hiked fares to cushion themselves against the surge in fuel prices.
They said it had become increasingly difficult to stay afloat with the rising prices of fuel.
Matatu Owners Association chairman George Nyariki said they have no option but to increase the fare after their appeals to the government to intervene and reduce fuel price failed.
“With no headway in the talks, we as Matatu Owners Association from Kisii order our members to make adjustments in fares to help them meet the operational expenses and stay in businesses,” Nyariki said.
He urged commuters to bear with the situation.
Fare from Kisii to Nairobi has now increased and ranges between Sh1,300 and 1,500 as opposed to the previous cost of between Sh1,000 and Sh800.
Nyariki said the fuel pump adjustments would significantly hurt the transport industry.
He said the cost of maintaining the vehicles is high and appealed to the government to reduce the cost of fuel.
The official said some operators may be forced to lay off staff if the situation continues.
However, some operators from the county have adopted a wait-and-see attitude before they make changes in fare.
ENA Coach Bus Company officials, for instance, said they will continue with their normal charges in the meantime as they hope for the situation to be addressed.
They said the rising cost of living has affected everyone including their customers.
“Nobody has been spared the vagaries of economic hardships going on in the country and that is why we are sympathetic to the plight of the people who use our services,” one of the firm's officials George Nyariki said.
Commuters using the ENA coach will still pay Sh1,000 to Nairobi while those heading to Mombasa will pay Sh2,200.
Fuel consumption for a shuttle plying to Nairobi currently stands at Sh9,200 from Sh8,000
Boda boda operators said the fuel price has affected them forcing to adjust charges upwards.
-Edited by SKanyara
