“Why Are We Paying More?” Nairobi Passengers Slam Electric Bus Fare Increase

Electric Matatus In Nairobi CBD

Passengers in Nairobi have protested a Sh20 increase in fares by electric buses and matatus, arguing that the move is unjustified given the vehicles do not rely on petrol or diesel.

The complaints follow the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which saw diesel prices rise by Ksh40.30 per litre and petrol by Ksh28.69, triggering fare hikes across the public transport sector.

While conventional matatu operators defended the increase citing higher diesel costs, commuters expressed frustration that electric-powered vehicles had also raised fares.

“We expected the diesel matatus to increase fares, but not electric ones. Why should we pay more when they don’t use fuel?” one passenger posed.

Another commuter said the move defeats the purpose of introducing electric public transport, which has been marketed as a cheaper alternative.

“These buses were supposed to help us save money. Now they are increasing fares just like the others. It doesn’t make sense,” she said.

Earlier, the Matatu Owners Association, through its president Albert Karakacha, confirmed that operators would raise fares following the spike in diesel prices.

“We have been consulting, and we will push the prices for buses up because we normally use diesel and the diesel has gone up by 40 shillings,” Karakacha said.

However, the inclusion of electric matatus and buses in the fare increase has sparked debate, with passengers questioning whether operators are taking advantage of the situation.

Industry players note that electric vehicles still incur costs such as electricity, maintenance and financing, which may also be affected by broader economic pressures linked to rising fuel prices.

Even so, many Kenyans insist the burden is increasingly being shifted to commuters regardless of the type of vehicle.

On social media, some users termed the move “daylight robbery,” while others called for government intervention to regulate fares for electric public transport.

“Electric or diesel, we are the ones suffering. Every week it’s a new increase,” one user lamented, as frustration grows over the rising cost of daily commuting.