Matatu operators across Kenya have expressed anger and frustration after transport sector leaders abruptly called off the nationwide strike that had paralysed public transport services for days.
Many operators say the decision was made without adequately addressing the soaring fuel prices and rising operational costs that prompted the industrial action in the first place.
By Friday afternoon, the effects of the strike were still evident in several towns and cities, with numerous matatus remaining parked at terminals as owners and drivers counted significant financial losses after spending more than three days off the road.
Operators now accuse their national representatives of abandoning their cause and failing to secure meaningful solutions to the challenges facing the sector.
Many insist that the strike should not have been suspended until concrete measures were implemented to ease the burden of escalating fuel prices.
Operators Struggle With Falling Passenger Numbers
While transport services have gradually resumed in some areas, fresh challenges have emerged for operators attempting to return to business.
Many passengers have reportedly resisted newly adjusted fares introduced to offset higher fuel costs, leaving operators struggling to recover lost income.
Drivers and vehicle owners warn that the combination of rising operating expenses and reduced passenger acceptance of higher fares is pushing many businesses to the brink. Some fear that continued fuel price increases could force more vehicles off the road permanently.
Transport Leaders Call Off Strike After Meeting President Ruto
The decision to end the strike followed discussions between transport sector leaders and President William Ruto on Friday morning.
Speaking after the meeting, Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) Chairperson Edwins Mukabanah announced that the strike had been fully withdrawn in the interest of protecting the country’s economy.
Mukabanah said the transport sector had agreed to resume operations immediately following fresh consultations with the Head of State, emphasizing the need to safeguard economic activity across the country.
Matatu Owners Association (MOA) Chairperson Albert Karakacha echoed the position, confirming that operators would return to work and that no further strike action was planned for the following week.
The announcement marked a significant shift from the hardline stance previously adopted by operators who had demanded government intervention to address fuel prices and other industry concerns.
Government Announces Diesel Price Relief
The strike’s suspension came shortly after President Ruto unveiled measures aimed at cushioning Kenyans from the impact of rising fuel costs.
Among the interventions announced was a reduction of diesel prices by Ksh.10 per litre beginning in June. Under the revised pricing structure, Super Petrol will retail at Ksh.214.25 per litre, diesel at Ksh.222.86 per litre, and kerosene at Ksh.191 per litre.
The government hopes the diesel reduction will ease pressure on the transport sector, which relies heavily on the fuel for daily operations.
Ruto Defends Government Response to Global Fuel Crisis
Addressing the nation from State House in Mombasa after the meeting with transport stakeholders, President Ruto defended his administration’s handling of the fuel crisis, arguing that the sharp price increases were driven by international factors beyond Kenya’s control.
According to the President, the escalation of conflict involving Iran earlier this year disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
The disruption triggered significant increases in global oil prices, which were subsequently felt across fuel-importing nations such as Kenya.
Ruto noted that global fuel prices had risen sharply within weeks, with petrol prices increasing by more than 54 percent, diesel by over 118 percent, and kerosene by more than 126 percent.
Because Kenya imports most of its petroleum products from the Gulf region, the country was particularly vulnerable to the global supply shock, he said.
Billions Spent to Cushion Consumers
Despite criticism over the rising cost of living, the President maintained that the government had taken decisive steps to protect consumers and businesses from the full impact of the fuel crisis.
He revealed that the government had spent more than Ksh.28 billion on fuel stabilization measures and tax relief interventions since the onset of the crisis.
Of that amount, Ksh.13.74 billion was disbursed through the Petroleum Development Fund to stabilize fuel prices during the April-May and May-June 2026 pricing cycles.
The President argued that without these interventions, fuel prices would have climbed even higher, placing additional strain on households and businesses.
Uncertainty Remains Within the Sector
Although transport leaders have declared the strike over, discontent remains widespread among operators who feel their concerns have not been fully addressed.
Many continue to question whether the diesel price reduction and government support measures will be enough to offset mounting operational costs.
As matatus slowly return to the roads, the sector faces an uncertain future, with operators demanding longer-term solutions to fuel pricing and transport sustainability while balancing the needs of passengers already struggling with the high cost of living.
