Wednesday, June 28, 2023 –Matatu operators have announced hike in transport fare prices in the country from July this year.
Matatu operators, on Wednesday, June 28, met in Nakuru where they made this announcement adding that there will be need for Kenyans to adjust to the new norm.
The transport operators, under their umbrella, Matatu Owners Association led by Chairman Albert Karakacha, noted that, to make some profit, there will be need to increase the fares across the country.
He described this as a matter beyond their control now that the Finance Bill had been passed and assented to by the head of the State.
He urged all Kenyans to give drivers and their conductors a humble time when this new price takes shape in July.
“There is no way we can continue running our business the same way yet the tax increase will also increase the prices of fuel across the country,” he stated.
He nonetheless, warned operators against taking advantage of the new law to ask for higher than acceptable fares from passangers.
“We are asking our members to check when increasing the prices so that they don’t overdo it and hurt our customers,” he added.
And reacting on the calls by Raila Odinga to frustrate the government by carrying beyond the set capacity, Karakacha said that may not be possible due to traffic law.
He therefore advised Raila to now shift his focus on insurance premiums and motor spare parts so that prices can go down.
Ruto, on Monday, June 26, signed into law the implementation of the increase in fuel’s Value Added Tax VAT from 8 per cent to 16 per cent by signing the Finance Bill 2023 into law.
