Nairobi sets sights on controlling matatu fares

City Hall will start approving matatu fares if proposals to amend the transport by-laws are adopted in an effort to protect Nairobi residents from exploitation by public transporters.

Transport bill demands that City Hall approve matatu fares for reasonable and fair charges.

The bill also requires matatu operators to issue a 30-day notice to the Nairobi executive in charge of transport for review of fares upwards as pressure mounts for control of essential commodities.

The operators have arbitrarily been raising fares, sometimes doubling, during peak hours, rainy seasons and when faced with incidents like traffic crackdowns. “All charges made or demanded by any such person or transport service provider for the transportation of the passengers or property… shall be just and reasonable and not more than allowed by law or order of the county executive in charge of transport,” the bill reads.

“No change shall be made in any rate, fare or charge which shall have been filed and published by a county transport service provider in compliance with this Act except after 30-day notice to the director.”

Matatu operators will be fined Sh500,000 or sentenced to six months in jail or both for violating the law in stiff penalties aimed at protecting Nairobi residents from exploitation by public transport service providers amid an increasing cost of living.

The proposed laws come amid a rise in fares from September when the Treasury imposed an eight percent VAT on fuel, increasing the price of petrol by Sh14.07 to Sh127.80 per litre while diesel rose by Sh12.34 to Sh115.08.

Commuters from Nakuru to Nairobi paid Sh500 up from Sh300 while Eldoret-Nairobi fares went up from Sh800 to an average Sh1,000.