Matatu owners push for fuel subsidies
A matatu refuels at a Nyeri petrol station.
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has called on the national government to be ready to introduce fuel subsidies should global price shocks push local costs upward.
The matatu sector, relied on by millions of commuters on a daily basis, is among the most affected whenever fuel prices are drastically adjusted upwards. Any sharp increase in fuel prices would inevitably be passed on to passengers through higher fares, placing additional strain on already stretched household incomes.
MOA President Albert Karakacha expressed confidence that the government has mechanisms in place to shield citizens from economic strain, even as global fuel markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions affecting the Middle East.
“We will not allow the cost of transport to go up because, if it does, it will affect Kenyans. We ask the government to return the fuel subsidy programme if fuel prices rise so that Kenyans do not suffer,” he said.
Mr Karakacha further downplayed fears of an imminent fuel price hike in Kenya, attributing such speculation to opportunistic individuals within fuel companies seeking to benefit from the global crisis, the full effects of which are yet to be felt in the country.
He spoke in Mombasa during a stakeholders’ meeting that brought together matatu operators, the traffic department and officials from the National Transport and Safety Authority, where discussions largely focused on road safety ahead of the Easter holiday season.
“We know the government is addressing the issue of fuel and has the capacity to provide subsidies. We trust that the President has affirmed that fuel prices will not increase,” he added.
During the meeting, the association stressed the need for road safety measures as schools close this week for the first term holidays, a period often marked by increased travel and a heightened risk of road accidents.
The association urged all its members nationwide to exercise caution and ensure that drivers adhere strictly to traffic rules. Passengers have also been encouraged to remain vigilant while travelling and to report reckless driving to authorities in order to prevent accidents.
It called on the Kenya National Highways Authority to urgently repair damaged roads and ensure that construction-related potholes are filled promptly to prevent accidents.
Mr Karakacha also criticised corruption within traffic enforcement, claiming that bribery allows unroadworthy vehicles to operate, thereby increasing accident risks.
He called for professionalism and collaboration between traffic police and transport operators, emphasising the need to eliminate reckless and abusive drivers from Kenyan roads.
In addition, he urged traffic officers to adopt a more humane approach while enforcing the law and stressed that discipline among drivers must be upheld at all times.
Coast Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer Asha Wario said authorities have partnered with matatu operators to enhance road safety through joint efforts and community policing initiatives. She noted that the Easter period requires heightened vigilance from all road users to prevent avoidable accidents.
Ms Wario said law enforcement agencies will intensify crackdowns on drunk driving and ensure strict adherence to traffic rules, while urging both private and public service vehicle owners to maintain their vehicles and avoid bribery.
“We have agreed to work together to ensure our roads are safe. We will not allow drunk driving, and those who fail to follow traffic rules will be dealt with according to the law,” she said.
While acknowledging that the transport sector plays a crucial role in employment and revenue generation, she maintained that road safety must remain a top priority.
The escalating prices of fuel has made the matatu business unprofitable, some investors say.
MOA Second Deputy President Salim Mbarak emphasised the importance of discipline among drivers, conductors and all road users. He called on the public to report cases of misconduct, including insults or abusive behaviour by crew members.
He also underscored the legal requirement for all vehicle owners, both private and public service, to inspect their vehicles regularly, especially during peak travel seasons such as Easter, Christmas and New Year holidays.
He further warned drivers against using stimulants to combat fatigue, advising them to get adequate rest instead.
Additionally, Mr Mbarak highlighted the need for proper road signage, noting that many highways lack adequate signs to guide motorists, which contributes to accidents.
The matatu owners also called on the National Transport and Safety Authority to regularly conduct free clinics at various termini where all vehicles can be inspected and owners given a strict timeline within which to repair any faults before returning to the road.
The operators said this approach would be more effective than abrupt crackdowns in which vehicles are impounded, forcing owners to withdraw them from service until operations resume.
According to the stakeholders, impounding vehicles during single crackdowns does not adequately address the challenges in the sector. They argued that free inspection clinics, where recommendations for necessary repairs are provided, would more effectively tackle the causes of road accidents.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.
