Millions of Kenyans are facing increasing pressure on their daily budgets after new statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics revealed a sharp rise in public transport fares, with boda boda charges recording a 40 per cent increase on one sampled route within a single month.
According to the KNBS October 2026 Consumer Price Index and Inflation Report, the cost of travelling from Siaya town to Awelo increased from KSh50 in September to KSh70 in October.
The latest development represents an additional KSh20 per trip, adding to the financial burden facing ordinary Kenyans who rely on motorcycles to travel to workplaces, schools, markets and other destinations.
The report also highlighted significant increases in matatu fares across selected routes, indicating that the rising cost of commuting is affecting different categories of public transport users.
In Nairobi, passengers travelling between Westlands and Kangemi witnessed fares increase from KSh40 to KSh50, representing a 25 per cent rise within one month.
Meanwhile, the fare for passengers travelling between Kabarnet and Nakuru increased from KSh600 to KSh650, equivalent to an 8.3 per cent increase.
KNBS further revealed that transport costs across the country increased by 17.1 per cent between October 2025 and October 2026, making transport the fastest-rising major expenditure category.
The figures also showed that transport costs increased by 1.7 per cent between September and October, with taxi fares recording a 1.5 per cent increase.
Rising fuel prices have added to the pressure experienced by transport operators and consumers.
Petrol prices increased from KSh214.95 to KSh227.85 per litre, while diesel rose from KSh219.04 to KSh228.77 during the period.
For regular boda boda passengers, the additional charges could significantly affect monthly spending.
A commuter making two one-way trips daily for 26 working days would spend approximately KSh1,040 more under the new Siaya fare.
The transport increases come as Kenya’s annual inflation rate climbed from 6.8 per cent in September to 7.3 per cent in October 2026.
Food prices also remain a major concern, with food and non-alcoholic beverages recording annual inflation of 10.2 per cent.
The latest KNBS findings highlight the growing cost-of-living challenges facing Kenyan households as commuting and essential expenses continue to consume a larger share of their incomes.