Transport Operators Announce Nationwide Strike Over Rising Fuel Prices

A coalition of transport operators sector associations has announced a nationwide strike beginning midnight on May 18, 2026, in protest against rising fuel prices.

In a joint press statement, the groups directed all public and private transport operators to withdraw their vehicles from the roads until fuel prices are reduced.

The statement was issued by 16 transport and motorists’ organizations led by the Federation of Public Transport Sector.

Among the organizations supporting the planned shutdown are the Association of Matatu Transport Owners (AMTO), Matatu Owners Association, Motorist Association of Kenya, Truckers Association of Kenya, Digital Taxi Association of Kenya, Association of Bus Operators and the Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association.

Others include the Counties Commuters Welfare Association, Mass Mobility Operators Association, Matatu Welfare Association, Association of Matatu Owners (AMO), Rig Owners Association and the Mt Kenya Association.

“It is agreed and directed that effective midnight tonight, all vehicles, including matatus, lorries, private vehicles, tuk-tuks and boda bodas shall remain at their usual parking spots until the day the fuel prices come down,” the statement read.

The announcement was signed by Kushian Muchiri, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Public Transport Sector.

If fully implemented, the strike is expected to disrupt public transport, cargo movement and daily commuting across the country, potentially affecting thousands of passengers and businesses that rely on road transport.

The move comes amid growing concerns from transport operators over the rising cost of fuel, which stakeholders say has significantly increased operational expenses for public service vehicles, delivery services and private motorists.

The planned industrial action is also likely to pile pressure on the government to review fuel pricing mechanisms and address concerns raised by operators and consumers over the high cost of living.