Thika: Commuters in Thika are calling for a further reduction in fuel prices, saying the recent adjustment may not be impactful as transport fares continue to rise despite the intervention.

According to Kenya News Agency, commuters expressed concern that the ongoing increase in commuting costs is stretching household budgets. They warned that unless fuel prices drop further, many will struggle to sustain daily travel, especially to work and business centers.

This comes as President William Ruto announced a reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent for the next three months, aiming to cushion consumers against the high cost of living. The intervention is expected to ease pressure at the pump, with the price of super petrol decreasing by Sh9.37 per litre, while diesel dropped by Sh10.21 per litre.

The adjustment followed a day after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) had announced sharp increases in fuel prices, with super petrol rising by Sh28.69 per litre and diesel by Sh40.30 per litre. The hike pushed the maximum retail price of super petrol to Sh206.87 per litre, with diesel retailing at Sh206.84, intensifying concerns over the rising cost of transport and basic commodities.

Commuters, however, termed the reduction minimal, arguing that it has not translated into relief in transport costs. They are now pushing for fuel prices to fall to at least Sh150 per litre and are calling on matatu operators to avoid overhiking fares, stating that the increases being implemented are too steep for ordinary commuters.

A spot check across major stages revealed sharp fare hikes on several routes, with long-distance trips such as Thika-Nyeri and Thika-Embu increasing by up to Sh100. Passengers reported that the steep rise has made regular travel difficult, particularly for those who rely on frequent movement for work and business.

Valentine Lihavi, a regular traveler to Nyeri, said, 'I travel to Nyeri often, but the Sh100 increase from Sh400 to Sh500 is too much. It is no longer sustainable to keep commuting like before.'

Daily commuters on the busy Thika-Nairobi route also raised concerns over a Sh20 fare increase, noting that the cost doubles for those making return trips. Ann Wangari, a trader at the main stage, remarked, 'For those of us who go to work in Nairobi every day, that is an extra Sh40 daily, from Sh100 to Sh120 per trip. In the long run, it becomes too expensive to manage.'

Matatu operators defended the adjustments, saying the fare hikes are necessary to cushion them against rising fuel costs. Erastus Kamau, a driver on the Thika-Nairobi route, explained that operators had no choice but to pass on the burden to passengers. 'Fuel prices have gone up, and operating costs are higher. We understand passengers are struggling, but we are also trying to stay in business,' he said.

Business leaders, led by the town's business community chairman Alfred Wanyoike, noted that higher fuel prices will trigger a chain reaction and make life difficult for traders. 'When fuel prices go up, businesses will suffer and so my members need to be ready for the impact,' he stated.