Kenyan lawmakers are backing a bill that would introduce both minimum and maximum fares for matatus, the private minibuses that form the backbone of public transport in the country. The proposed law, reported by the-star.co.ke, aims to bring price stability to a sector often criticized for unpredictable charges.
According to the-star.co.ke, the bill would give the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) the power to set fare limits. This would end the common practice of operators raising prices during bad weather, holidays, or peak travel times such as Christmas. The Daily Nation notes that MPs have expressed support for the measure, which is intended to protect passengers from sudden cost increases.
Kenyans.co.ke describes the proposal as a potential relief for commuters who have long faced fluctuating fares. The bill would replace the current system, where matatu owners and drivers largely set prices based on demand, with a regulated framework. Under the new rules, NTSA would determine both a floor and a ceiling for fares on different routes, ensuring operators cannot charge below a minimum to undercut competitors or above a maximum to exploit passengers.
The push for regulation follows years of complaints about fare hikes during emergencies or high-demand seasons. People Daily reports that the bill specifically targets the practice of raising prices on rainy days and during festive periods. If passed, the law would require all matatus to display approved fare charts, and violators could face penalties.
The next step is for the bill to proceed through parliamentary readings before it can become law.
