Reprieve as PSVs plan to cut fares
Commuters are expected to enjoy lower fare prices as Matatu Owners Association (MOA) mull reducing the charges following the recent decline in the cost of fuel.
While welcoming the fuel price reduction by the government, MOA chairman Albert Karakacha revealed that talks are underway and Kenyans may soon enjoy some financial relief. Speaking during the handover of King Long Minibus to Kisumu Kangaroo Sacco by GB Auto, a prominent automotive player, Karakacha, however, called on the government to consider reducing prices for spare parts such as tyres whose prices he said are still high.
Two days ago, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority reduced fuel prices by upto Sh18 in this month’s review.
Following the announcement, a litre of super petrol has decreased by Sh5.31, diesel by Sh10 per litre while Kerosene has gone down by Sh18.68 per litre. In Nairobi, super petrol will retail at Sh193.84, diesel, Sh180.38 and kerosene Sh170.06.
“We welcome the reduction of fuel and we urge the government to do more. We are in talks with our membership and we believe we will do something to reduce fares,” said Karakacha.
James Ochieng, Kisumu MOA secretary general, also the manager for Kangaroo Sacco, called on the government to continue making key interventions to increase the value of the shilling for further reduction of fuel prices.
Sustained interventions, he said, will help PSV owners make better profits, pay loans on time and offer better services to commuters.
The players also called for a concerted efforts and collaboration with National Road Safety Campaigns to reduce the rampant road carnage across the country.
