By Makana Edith Salome
Daily movement has become a costly affair for many Kenyans.
In Kisii Town, matatus idle longer than usual, boda boda riders sit quietly on their bikes waiting for passengers, and private motorists hesitate before joining the road.
Every trip now begins with a calculation — cost versus survival.
At the Total Energies station, attendants serve fewer customers, most of whom ask for small amounts of fuel, just enough to reach their next stop.
The rise in fuel prices has turned transport across the country into a daily struggle marked by caution and uncertainty.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced new fuel prices on Thursday, increasing the cost of living pressure on millions of Kenyans.
In the latest review for the May–June cycle, Super Petrol rose by KSh16.65 per litre, while Diesel jumped by KSh46.29 per litre.
Kerosene prices remained unchanged as the new rates took effect at midnight and will remain in force for 30 days.
Fuel remains one of the most critical drivers of Kenya’s economy — affecting transport, food distribution, farming, manufacturing, and nearly every sector that depends on the movement of goods and people.
When fuel prices rise, the ripple effects are quickly felt in matatu fares, market prices, and the cost of basic commodities.
Across Kenya — from Kisii to Nairobi, Mombasa to Eldoret — transport operators say the pressure is already visible.
Many drivers are reducing trips, adjusting routes, or slightly increasing fares to stay afloat.
“I used to fuel my car with KSh3,000 and work comfortably for several days,” said Brian Ouko, a private motorist in Kisii.
“Now that same amount cannot last. Everything becomes expensive when fuel goes up. Even simple travel becomes stressful.”
Matatu operators describe the business as increasingly unpredictable. “This work has become very difficult,” said James Nyabuto, a driver along the Kisii–Keroka route.
“Passengers don’t want fare increases, but fuel is too expensive. You are left trying to survive day by day while still serving customers.”
In Nairobi, similar concerns are being raised by city commuters and operators who rely heavily on daily passenger movement.
Many say they are cutting down trips or adjusting fares slightly — a change already affecting commuters.
Boda boda riders, who operate in both urban and rural areas, say they are among the hardest hit.
“We are struggling every day,” said Dennis Ombati, a rider in Kisii Town.
“Customers don’t want to hear about fare increases, yet fuel keeps going up. At the end of the day, you remain with very little.”
At filling stations, attendants report that motorists are now buying fuel in smaller quantities compared to previous months.
“People are very cautious now,” said a fuel attendant at the Total Energies station in Kisii who requested anonymity.
“Very few people are filling tanks. Most just buy enough fuel for the day and leave.”
Economists warn that the fuel increase will continue to ripple through the economy.
Higher transport costs are expected to push up food and essential goods prices as traders and farmers pass on additional expenses to consumers.
Small businesses, especially those relying on deliveries, are also expected to feel the strain.
For households across Kenya, the impact is becoming part of daily life.
Transport costs are rising, commodity prices are tightening budgets, and many families are being forced to adjust spending priorities.