During his Madaraka Day speech at Moi Stadium in Embu, president Ruto disclosed that the government was close to implementing electric public transportation system.
“As international petroleum prices continue to rise beyond reach, the cost of fuel locally rises steeply. As a component of household budgets, transport is affecting the cost of living,” Ruto said.
“We have to liberate Kenyans from relying on transport that depends on petroleum. For this reason, we are rolling out an electric vehicle public transport system which will bring down the cost of transport significantly,” he further added.
Ruto pleaded with public service providers to use the new technology in order to protect their businesses from the high operating costs brought on by global fuel insecurity in order to further his objectives.
The matatu operators who acquired fleets of electric buses are Embassava, Metro Trans, Super Metro, and City Hoppa.
They started running the buses on several routes, saving commuters from expensive bus fares, and running expenses.
Additionally, Ruto said that boda boda drivers who work in the public transportation industry will have to purchase electric bikes. He stressed that the new strategy was essential for revitalizing the industry as well.
The Energy and Petroleum Authority of Kenya had already announced a rise in fuel prices, which led some matatu operators to increase fee prices.
In Nairobi, the cost of fuel jumped to Ksh182.70, diesel to Ksh168.40, and kerosene to Ksh161.13.
Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene prices in Mombasa increased to Ksh179.86, Ksh165.57, and Ksh158.30 in May, respectively.