“Everything Has Collapsed”: Outcry in Awasi as Fuel Price Hike Sparks Transport Crisis and Soaring Cost of Living

Residents and transport operators in Awasi, Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu County, are grappling with a sharp economic strain following the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority), which has triggered widespread frustration among motorists and small business operators.

On May 14, EPRA announced a steep increase in fuel prices, with petrol rising by Sh16.6 to Sh214.2 per litre, while diesel recorded a sharper increase of Sh46.2, retailing at Sh242.9 per litre.

The adjustments have since sparked anger among boda boda riders, tuk-tuk operators, and matatu drivers in Awasi, who say the rising costs have significantly reduced their earnings and disrupted daily operations.

Motorists argue that the fuel hike has not only squeezed their profits but also intensified the cost of living, with food prices and essential commodities rising due to increased transport costs for traders.

Public service vehicle operators say they are now trapped between raising fares and losing customers, as passengers resist fare increments despite worsening operational costs.

Elphant Ogutu, a boda boda rider in Awasi town, said the situation has become unsustainable for many operators.

“With the high fuel price, the profit we make is low because if you are charging Sh100 per trip, nearly all of it goes into buying fuel,” he said, adding that customers are unwilling to accept fare adjustments.

Another motorist, Aron Ochieng, who operates along the Kericho–Kisumu route, said transport businesses are under severe pressure as passengers themselves struggle with rising living costs.

“It has really affected us because the customers are not willing to pay additional transport money despite fuel increase, leaving us with nothing as profit,” he said.

Tuk-tuk operator Steve Ouma noted a significant drop in passenger numbers, saying many residents now prefer walking or seeking cheaper alternatives to transport.

Transport operators are now calling on the government to urgently intervene and stabilize fuel prices, warning that continued increases could cripple small-scale transport businesses and further worsen economic hardship.

They argue that the ripple effect of fuel hikes is already being felt across the economy, from food prices to household essentials, leaving many families struggling to cope.

As pressure mounts, residents say they are waiting for relief measures, expressing hope that fuel prices will be reviewed downward to ease the burden on households and businesses alike.