Nairobi, Kenya | Monday, May 18, 2026: Hundreds of commuters were stranded across Nairobi on Monday morning after a matatu strike paralysed transport services in several parts of the city.
The disruption affected thousands of passengers travelling to the Central Business District (CBD) during peak hours, with many unable to access matatus and buses along major routes.
Several commuters were forced to walk long distances to work after many public service vehicles stopped operating from midnight.
Among the transport operators affected were major SACCOs and companies including Super Metro, Latema Travellers, Metro Trans and Forward Travellers.
Joint Statement
The strike followed a joint statement issued on Sunday by the Transport Sector Alliance, which announced a nationwide shutdown in protest against the latest fuel price increase introduced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Transport operators said the rising fuel costs had made business unsustainable and were pushing up transport fares and the cost of living.
“In view of the matatu strike slated for tomorrow, we will not be in operation. We shall communicate when services will resume,” Super Metro said in a notice to passengers on Sunday.
The alliance demanded the immediate reversal of the fuel price increase announced on May 14 and called for petrol and diesel prices to be reduced to about Ksh152 per litre.
The lobby group also proposed the standardisation of petroleum prices at the current kerosene price of Ksh152.78 per litre, with a long-term target of reducing fuel prices to between Ksh140 and Ksh150 per litre.
Resignation of Opiyo Wandayi
In addition, the operators called for the resignation of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and the disbandment of EPRA to pave the way for what they termed an independent energy regulation commission.
According to the alliance, high fuel prices continue to hurt transport operators, farmers, businesses and ordinary Kenyans through increased food prices, electricity bills and transport costs.
The groups further urged private motorists, traders, workers and farmers to join peaceful demonstrations in their local areas to pressure the government into addressing the rising cost of fuel.
By early Monday morning, several bus stages across Nairobi remained unusually quiet, with only a few vehicles operating as commuters scrambled for alternative transport options.
Police Dismiss Strike
The National Police Service dismissed the strike and assured Kenyans that security and transport operations remained stable.
In a statement issued on Sunday, police said most transport stakeholders had distanced themselves from the industrial action and continued to operate normally.
“The majority of stakeholders in the transport sector remain committed to conducting their business without interruption,” the police said.
The police added that the United Transport Association of Kenya had publicly distanced itself from the strike through a separate statement.
Authorities also confirmed that security had been heightened across the country and urged Kenyans to continue with their daily activities without fear.
