Transport operations were on Monday paralyzed in several parts of Mombasa, following the implementation of the 16% tax by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on all fuel products.
Several vehicles including buses, 14-seater matatus and tuktuks hiked fares by Sh30 from every stage while others parked their vehicles to protest the tax.
At the Likoni Ferry island bus stop, matatu operators withdrew their operations to boycott the VAT, while tuktuk operators parked the tuktuks at the stage and paralysed normal operations.
The move forced some commuters to walk for kilometres to the CBD as some tuktuks and boda bodas charged up to Sh100 from Sh50.Mazeras, Mariakani, Jomvu, Ukunda, Likoni, Bamburi and Mtwapa were the most affected areas.
The fare increased from Sh70 to Sh100 from Ukunda to Likoni while commuters from Lights to Mombasa CBD were required to pay Sh100 up from Sh50.
However, Coast Matatu Owners Association (MoA) Coordinator Salim Mbarak, said even though the 16% tax has affected operations, the association had not approved any fare hikes.
He asked commuters to record number plates and names of saccos of the vehicles and report such cases.
Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK) called for the protests, saying: "The revolution for nothing but fair fuel has just began, thanks to CS Treasury. We shall not stop until pump prices get below ksh100 a litre. Motorists will demand for their subsidy from Turkana Oil."
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