Transport operators in Tharaka-Nithi County have reacted differently to the increase in fuel prices in the country after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced new prices for the period between September 15 and October 14, 2022.
The price of petrol is set to retail at Ksh179.30 from Ksh159.12, while diesel is set to retail at Ksh165 from Ksh140.
Kerosene is set to retail at Ksh147.94.
In Chuka town, Tharaka Nithi County, diesel price is trading at Ksh166.60 while petrol is trading at Ksh180.90
Matatu operators while reacting to the new fuel prices said they had not increased their travel charges, stating that it would be unfair to students and parents who are the majority of commuters at the moment and had not anticipated an increase.
"Our travel charges remain the same at the moment. It would be inhuman to hike prices immediately since most of the travellers are students and parents that had not anticipated an increase in the prices", a matatu tout said.
From Chuka town, customers will still have to pay Ksh250 and Ksh300 to Embu and Meru towns respectively.
The operators noted that their respective Saccos will hold talks with relevant stakeholders and announce new travel charges.
However, Tharaka-Nithi Boda boda Chairman Willis Mugambi stated that bodaboda operators across the county have increased commuter charges, in a bid to ensure a profitable business.
Mugambi asked commuters to bear with the situation since sticking to normal charges would only lead them to great losses.
"We woke up to new prices at the pump and we are asking our customers to bear with the situation. If we ask you to pay more, kindly note that we are not taking advantage of the situation", he said.
Mugambi acknowledged that they had agreed on new constant prices for registered Saccos and groups per stage to help them deal with the fuel price hike.
The operators asked the new William Ruto-led government to ensure fuel prices are reduced in order to ease the burden on the already tough economic times.
