- Public transport operators have announced a nationwide strike starting Monday over rising fuel prices.
- Matatu fares are expected to increase by 50 percent across several routes.
- Operators say the latest EPRA fuel review has made business unsustainable.
- The planned shutdown could disrupt commuting, business activities, and inter-county travel.
Kenya could face major transport disruptions next week after matatu operators and other public transport stakeholders announced plans for a nationwide strike over the sharp increase in fuel prices.
The planned industrial action, expected to begin on Monday, comes amid growing pressure on transport operators following the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Leaders representing matatu owners, boda boda riders, and tour operators warned that transport services may come to a standstill if the government fails to address their concerns over the rising cost of fuel and operations.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, Matatu Owners Association President Albert Karakacha said operators had reached a decision to suspend services nationwide until authorities respond to the crisis affecting the transport sector.
According to Karakacha, operators can no longer absorb the increasing operational expenses brought about by the latest fuel review. He announced that fares on several routes would immediately rise by 50 percent as the sector struggles to cope with the cost of running vehicles.
The warning has already sparked concern among commuters in Nairobi and other towns, many of whom are already grappling with the high cost of living and increased household expenses.
Operators also indicated that digital ride-hailing services and transport network companies may be forced to adjust their prices in line with the new economic realities facing the industry.
The standoff follows EPRA’s latest review, which significantly raised the prices of Super Petrol and Diesel. In Nairobi, motorists are now paying over Ksh214 per litre for petrol, while diesel prices have crossed the Ksh240 mark, piling more pressure on transport businesses that rely heavily on fuel.
Transport stakeholders accused EPRA of failing to shield Kenyans from escalating fuel costs, arguing that the continued increases are hurting both businesses and ordinary citizens.
If the strike proceeds as announced, the country could experience severe disruptions in public transport, cargo movement, and business operations, especially in major urban centres where millions depend on matatus daily.
The looming shutdown now sets the stage for a tense confrontation between transport operators and the government, with many Kenyans anxiously waiting to see whether negotiations will take place before Monday.
For many commuters, the coming days may determine whether they can afford daily transport or find alternative ways to move around as the cost-of-living debate continues to dominate national conversations.
