Vox pop: Kenyans speak on increase in fuel prices

Fuel prices on Thursday crossed a record Sh200 mark for the first time in Kenya's history.

Super Petrol increased by Sh16.96, Diesel by Sh21.32 per litre, and Kerosene by Sh33.13, all per litre.

The prices vary from town to town, with Mandera experiencing the highest petrol price of Sh225.64 per litre.

The Star conducted street interviews to hear what Kenyans had to say about the hiking of fuel prices.

Joseph Njeri, an Uber driver in Nairobi, Westlands:

"As an Uber driver, we are affected by the hike, and customers will start to be less. The car used to cover 10km, and now, according to the new prices, it will only cover 5km. Also, the expected income will reduce from Sh1000 to Sh700. I plead with the government to subsidize the price because the cost of living is up."

Lillian Wanyoike, a shoe vendor in Nairobi Westlands:

"It affects me more as a business person because I will be forced to wake up early before prices go up. At least these early hours will favour our pockets compared to before, and the economy is not that good."

Antony Mwangi, Bodaboda operator in Westlands, Nairobi:

"Now that fuel prices have risen, it will be difficult to convince any customer to pay more for the fare because the customers will always be complaining. The profit will also decrease, even though we will have to increase the prices. Customers will prefer to use matatus than motorcycles."

Jane Muthoni, Street Hawker in Nairobi:

"The cost of commodities will increase, and fare will become an obstacle. All we can ask the President is to fix the fuel prices since we hawkers will suffer."

Simon Kariuki, a conductor in Westlands, Nairobi:

"I'm not happy with this idea of fuel prices hiking.  We don't have the passengers to raise prices for because they are also complaining on their side."

Austin Ayodi, Security Officer at Sarit Centre, Nairobi:

"It is unfortunate that petroleum prices have risen by Sh16. With this, the cost of living will be high, as it will lead to the rise of other commodities and bus fares. The increasing fuel prices are also raising the cost of living for Kenyans. The government should subsidize the prices to favour everyone."

Millicent Odour, a Student at Multimedia University, Nairobi:

"Being an attaché at Westlands while I reside in Rongai, it will be difficult to commute every day to work. Sometimes there is always a hike in fare, and now that the fuel prices are higher, the fare will be even higher."