Matatu Association Confirms National Strike On Monday, Transport Alliance Issues Statement

Matatu Association Confirms National Strike On Monday, Transport Alliance Issues Statement

A nationwide transport sector strike over rising fuel prices will proceed from midnight on Monday after stakeholders across the industry unanimously resolved to halt operations countrywide.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Transport Sector Alliance said all vehicles under participating associations would stay off the roads as part of coordinated industrial actions in the country.

The alliance said the strike had received backing from multiple transport subsectors, including passenger transport operators, cargo and logistics companies, ride-hailing services, boda boda operators, tourism transport providers, driving schools, school buses and private motorists.

pic.twitter.com/nxiDbmdSVy
— Motorist Association (@motoristsoffice) May 17, 2026

Matatu Owners declare a Nationwide Strike beginning on Monday. pic.twitter.com/Loh3L3OBLx
— Jim Njue (@jimNjue_) May 16, 2026

“Following a high-level consultative meeting held today, Sunday, 17th May 2026, all stakeholders in Kenya’s transport sector have unanimously reaffirmed that no vehicle shall move starting midnight today. The nationwide Transport Sector Fuel Strike scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026, is fully on,” the statement read.

“The Alliance confirms that all transport subsectors, covering passenger transport, cargo and logistics; ride-hailing; motorcycle transport, tourism transport, driving schools; school buses; and private motorists have resolved to stand together in one of the largest coordinated industrial actions in Kenya’s history.”

Among the organisations backing the strike are the Federation of Public Transport Sector, Matatu Owners Association, Motorist Association of Kenya, Truckers Association of Kenya, Digital Taxi Association of Kenya, Association of Bus Operators and several other industry groups.

The alliance claimed the broad support across the sector gave the planned strike a 99 per cent success rate.

“This action is not only for transport operators, but for every Kenyan citizen. The ordinary mwananchi is the ultimate victim of high fuel prices, paying more for transport, food, electricity, and essential commodities,” the alliance said.

I support peaceful strike tomorrow by transport sector players. @matatuowners @loddca @motoristsoffice https://t.co/McWYYwyOwW pic.twitter.com/JcN7HrVfzd
— Kim 🇰🇪®️ (@Pettikim) May 17, 2026

“For this reason, farmers, business owners, workers, and consumers across the country have already expressed solidarity.”

Adding, “They are expected to participate in the demonstrations in their towns, shopping centres, and local communities.”

The transport stakeholders are demanding the immediate reversal of the fuel price increase announced on May 14.

Which includes reduction of petrol and diesel prices to about Sh152 per litre, and standardisation of all petroleum products at the current kerosene price of Sh152.78 per litre.

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They are also calling for the resignation or dismissal of the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, accountability over the alleged importation of substandard fuel, and an end to recurring fuel shortages.

Other demands include the disbandment of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), restructuring of the National Oil Corporation of Kenya, and revival of the Changamwe Oil Refinery to process Turkana crude oil locally.

The alliance criticised the current Government-to-Government fuel procurement arrangement, calling for the restoration of a competitive free-market system.

“Enough is enough. Fuel is the lifeblood of the economy. When fuel prices rise beyond reason, the entire nation suffers,” the statement said.

The group further urged private motorists, farmers and business owners to join demonstrations in towns and trading centres across the country, insisting the action would remain peaceful and constitutional.

Matatu Association Confirms National Strike On Monday, Transport Alliance Issues Statement