Chaos on the roads as high fuel costs bite

A spike in fuel prices was always expected to cut across the economy, nowhere more immediately than in the transport sector. But on Wednesday morning, Nairobi’s roads told a quieter, more telling story.

By 7. am, Thika Road, one of the country’s busiest highways, was unusually calm. The stretch, often choked with traffic during rush hour, saw little congestion. A journey that typically takes between one to two hours from Juja to the city centre flowed with unexpected ease.

The reduced traffic reflected early adjustments by motorists, following a surge in fuel prices yesterday. Many opted to leave their cars at home as new pump prices took effect.

At several bus stations, the pattern was similar. In some, matatus were scarce, and in others, there were not enough commuters to fill the vehicles.

Matatu operators appeared to be testing the waters. Some had already hiked fares, while others held off, signalling that increases may come during off-peak hours.

Matatu operators in Kisumu are planning a fare review following the sudden fuel price hike, Matatu Owners Association leadership says.

Video By Rodgers Otiso pic.twitter.com/5wQcUgWutR — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) April 15, 2026

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For those in the transport business, the impact was immediate. “This fuel situation is hitting us badly. We were expecting the normal Sh3 to 5 increase, because that way it is easy to explain to your customer. However, yesterday’s increase is just too much. The government should consider the common mwananchi because we are suffering,” said Kevin Waringa, a bodaboda rider.

On social media, frustration was equally visible, with the hashtag #RejectFuelPrices trending on X.

One user, @real_ag7, wrote: “Sh28 on a litre is pure greed and exploitation of Kenyans… There is no justification for such an increase.”

Another, Aron Musyoka, noted: “It’s painful that Kenyans must suffer every time fuel prices rise. With proper reserves and leadership, this could be avoided.” A third user, @AurexKe, warned of a larger economic strain: “The ripple effect will hit electricity, transport, food, and services. We could be looking at double-digit inflation if this isn’t addressed.”

Leaders also weighed in, calling for transparency and policy reforms.

Siaya Governor James Orengo urged the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to publish the full Cost of Service Study and explain the rationale behind phased margin revisions. “We must stop pretending that administrative price setting protects the consumer,” he said. “These studies are often influenced by industry players with vested interests, creating artificial inflation.”

His Trans Nzoia counterpart, George Natembeya, echoed similar concerns, arguing that, beyond global factors, domestic policy failures have worsened the situation.

“Fuel affects everything: transport, food, electricity, and basic goods. When it crosses Sh200, the cost of living rises across the board. The ordinary Kenyan, the mama mboga, the boda boda rider, the farmer pays the price,” he said, calling for reduced fuel taxes and greater transparency.

Bus fares rise

The pressure is already being felt across the transport sector.

The Matatu Owners Association has announced a 25 per cent increase in fares, while long-distance bus company ENA Coach has revised its prices across major routes.

Travelers plying the Nairobi-to-upcountry route via Narok will part with Sh1,700, while Kisii-to-Kisumu now costs Sh700. Those intending to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa will pay Sh2,000, and from Mombasa to upcountry, Sh3,000, effective immediately. This is an increase of between Sh100 and Sh300.

The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has also flagged a 13 to 14 per cent increase in operating costs, urging members to engage customers transparently on the adjustments.

The fare hikes follow EPRA’s latest review, which saw diesel rise by Sh40 per litre and super petrol by Sh28.69. In Nairobi, both now retail at about Sh206.97 per litre, the highest in recent years.

The regulator attributed the increase to global supply disruptions, including tensions in the Middle East that have affected oil production, freight, and insurance costs.

Across the region, similar trends are emerging, though Kenya’s prices remain among the highest.

In Rwanda, petrol now retails at about Sh203 per litre, while diesel stands at Sh196 following an early price review triggered by the Middle East crisis.

Tanzania also recently raised prices, with petrol and diesel increasing by roughly Sh50 per litre. In Uganda, petrol sells between Sh190 and Sh200, while diesel ranges from Sh175 to Sh195.

Globally, oil prices have remained volatile, with a barrel of crude trading at approximately $85 (about Sh11,000). This translates to roughly Sh69 per litre at the global market level, before the addition of taxes, levies, transport and other costs that ultimately push retail prices above Sh200 per litre in Kenya.