Nationwide Transport Strike Kenya Over Rising Fuel Prices

Transport stakeholders under the Motorists Association of Kenya have issued a nationwide strike notice set for Monday, May 18, 2026. The move escalates tensions over the latest fuel price hike announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

The Transport Alliance brings together motorists, matatu operators, boda boda riders, digital cab drivers, freight operators and other fuel-dependent groups.

According to the stakeholders, the decision followed a high-level meeting in Nairobi, where they blamed the government for worsening the cost of living through repeated fuel price increases.

In the latest review, petrol prices rose by about 8 percent, while diesel climbed by roughly 24 percent. Consequently, transport operators said the sharp increase has pushed up transport costs, strained logistics and driven up prices of basic commodities across the country.

“Under the Transport Alliance, Transport associations hereby issues a nationwide strike notice effective Monday, 18th May 2026, in protest against the continued sharp and unjustified increase in fuel prices imposed by the Government through EPRA,” the statement read.

Also Read: Pain at the Pump: EPRA Announces Sharp Fuel Price Hike Starting May 15

Rising Cost of Living Pressure

In response to the hike, the alliance said the increase has intensified economic pressure on households and transport operators across the country. It warned that the situation has now reached unsustainable levels.

“The meeting noted with great concern that the fuel price increase announced on 14th has worsened the already unbearable cost of living and directly contributed to skyrocketing commodity prices affecting every Kenyan household,” the statement added.

Also Read: Gachagua Breaks Silence After Sharp Fuel Prices Increase, Cuts Short London Trip

Demands for Immediate Withdrawal of Fuel Hike

Meanwhile, stakeholders now demand the immediate withdrawal of the new fuel price hike. They argue that the increase has made transport operations unsustainable and pushed essential goods higher in price.

In addition, they renew calls for reforms in the energy sector, including a review of how authorities set and regulate fuel prices.

At the same time, they argued that continued fuel price volatility creates uncertainty in the transport sector and disrupts planning and profitability for operators. Some drivers and vehicle owners have already reduced trips or increased fares to cope with rising fuel expenses. As a result, commuters continue to shoulder the burden of higher transport costs.

“The Transport Alliance further calls upon all Kenyans suffering under the burden of high fuel costs and rising commodity prices to join the nationwide protests beginning Monday,” the statement noted.

Ultimately, the group insists the planned strike will push for economic justice, fair pricing and accountability in the fuel sector. It maintains that pressure will continue to mount on the government unless it acts urgently to address the crisis.

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