Matatus decline to lower charges

Commuters will still have to contend with the high matatu fares despite a significant reduction in fuel prices.

Yesterday, the Matatu Owners Association announced there were no plans to review the fares downwards, arguing there was no guarantee the prices would remain low.

According to the association’s chairman Simon Kimutai, irregular fluctuation of fuel prices made it difficult to fix fares. He said it would not be easy to effect a fare reduction based on the new fuel prices announced by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

“We cannot have an immediate reaction. This time it has gone down and next time it might increase... it is difficult to predict,” said Mr Kimutai

Commuters have expressed displeasure with the association’s argument, terming it an act of greed and insensitivity by the matatu owners.

They pointed out that whenever there was an increase in the fuel prices, matatu owners and operators rushed to increase fares but never reduced when prices fall.

“Those charged with regulating the fuel prices should also take a keen interest in the fares charged on commuters,” said Rosemary Nyaboke, a resident of Utawala, in the outskirts of Nairobi.

The commuters complained that  the high matatu fares were eating into their pockets.

“With the high cost of living coupled with high matatu charges, commuting in Nairobi has become a nightmare,” said Paul Kimani.

ERC announced the new fuel prices cuts that took effect at midnight on Monday and will be in place till February 14.

Super Petrol will cost Sh104.21 per litre in Nairobi while diesel will cost Sh102.24. Kerosene will now cost Sh101.70 per litre.

This is in comparison to last month when retail prices in Nairobi reached Sh113.54 for a litre of super petrol, Sh112.28 for diesel and Sh105.22 for kerosene.