Gov’t Fuel Price Shocker Prompts Skyrocketing Matatu Fare Hike
Motorists and commuters have reacted with shock and anger after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) pushed pump prices to historic highs in its latest monthly fuel review.
Some public service vehicle (PSV) operators have already passed on the costs to passengers.
On Thursday night, EPRA raised the price of diesel by Ksh46.29 to retail at Ksh242.92 a litre, while petrol went up by Ksh16.65 to Ksh214.25 in Nairobi.
Kerosene, according to the regulator, remains unchanged at Ksh152.78. The new prices will remain in force until June 14.
Within hours of the announcement, some matatu operators had revised their charges upwards.
Haraka upesi!
— TV 47 Digital (@tv47digital) May 14, 2026
Just minutes after midnight, petrol stations adjust their price boards to reflect the new increased fuel prices.
In its latest review, EPRA increased petrol prices by KSh16.65 and diesel by KSh46.29.
Kerosene prices remain unchanged. pic.twitter.com/UiPwh8UJvE
On Friday morning, Super Metro raised fares from the Nairobi CBD to Westlands from Ksh40 to Ksh50, while the fare to Kikuyu jumped to Ksh70.
Before the April 14 review, the same route was charging a maximum of Ksh40 and Ksh70, respectively. The Matatu Owners Association is expected to issue a substantive response later today.
The increase comes at a particularly difficult moment for households already battered by the wider economic strain, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing U.S.-Israel war on Iran and the resulting volatility in global oil markets.
Scenes in most fuel stations this evening, an hour after EPRA increased the price of Super Petrol by Sh16.65 per litre and Diesel by Sh46.29 per litre. pic.twitter.com/HEqLYIAayi
— Ali 'Mwamvita' Manzu (@Ali_Manzu) May 14, 2026
With diesel powering most of the country’s public transport, freight, and agricultural machinery, the latest review is expected to ripple quickly through the cost of food, goods, and services.
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Immediately after the announcement, petrol stations across the country were swamped as motorists rushed to fill up at the old prices before the new rates took effect at midnight.
Images and videos shared online showed long queues snaking out of fuel stations in Nairobi and Kisumu late into the night.
Following the fuel price adjustments announced by EPRA last night, long queues formed at petrol stations in Eastleigh as motorists and boda boda riders rushed to refuel before the new prices took effect.
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) May 15, 2026
EPRA increased petrol price on May 14, 2026, by Sh16.65 to retail at… pic.twitter.com/uGEQu7PSyh
#BREAKING from @TotalEnergiesKE , Uthiru Stage 87. Motorists are desperately queuing to beat the midnight price hikes. Good thing most "choppers" run on jet fuel a type of kerosene
— Anuale. (@benanuale) May 14, 2026
so naturally, kerosene prices remained completely untouched. @EPRA_KE Priorities, right? #Diesel pic.twitter.com/lXelYWyiTG
In Naivasha, drivers plying the Naivasha-Nakuru Highway scrambled for the last drops of cheaper fuel, with one station overwhelmed by the sudden surge.
A similar scene played out in Eldama Ravine, where long lines of vehicles formed as drivers tried to beat the midnight timeline.
The political reaction was swift, with critics accusing the government of squeezing ordinary Kenyans while doing little to cushion them from the shock.
Gov’t Fuel Shocker Prompts Skyrocketing Matatu Fare Hike
