Kenya Hit by Nationwide Matatu Strike and Transport Shutdown: Sputnik Africa Correspondent
13:34 18.05.2026 (Updated: 15:07 18.05.2026)
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A coalition of 14 groups under the Transport Sector Alliance, including the Matatu Owners Association, tour vehicle operators, and boda boda riders, called the industrial action after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) May 14 decision that raised diesel by KSh 46.29 (about $0.36) per liter.
The demands proposed by the coalition include:
🟠Reverse EPRA’s May 14 fuel hike; cut petrol/diesel to about KSh 152/liter (around $1.17/liter);
🟠Scrap government-to-government oil procurement; restore competitive market;
🟠Cabinet Secretary of Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi to resign; dissolve EPRA and create an independent regulator;
🟠Strengthen security to stop extortion and “mob justice” that leads to matatu torchings.
Key affected areas:
1⃣Thika Superhighway: Protesters barricaded sections including Roysambu and Kihunguro/Ruiru Bypass;
2⃣Nairobi: Operators blocked Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya Street;
3⃣Nairobi outskirts: Transport halted in Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, and Kinoo;
4⃣Eastlands: Gridlocks hit Kariobangi, Outer Ring Road, and the Mwiki route;
5⃣Other hubs: Road blockades and transport shortages were reported in towns including Nakuru.
The National Police Service has increased security deployments nationwide and pledged firm action against disruptive conduct and illegal roadblocks.
The demands proposed by the coalition include:
🟠Reverse EPRA’s May 14 fuel hike; cut petrol/diesel to about KSh 152/liter (around $1.17/liter);
🟠Scrap government-to-government oil procurement; restore competitive market;
🟠Cabinet Secretary of Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi to resign; dissolve EPRA and create an independent regulator;
🟠Strengthen security to stop extortion and “mob justice” that leads to matatu torchings.
Key affected areas:
1⃣Thika Superhighway: Protesters barricaded sections including Roysambu and Kihunguro/Ruiru Bypass;
2⃣Nairobi: Operators blocked Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya Street;
3⃣Nairobi outskirts: Transport halted in Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, and Kinoo;
4⃣Eastlands: Gridlocks hit Kariobangi, Outer Ring Road, and the Mwiki route;
5⃣Other hubs: Road blockades and transport shortages were reported in towns including Nakuru.
The National Police Service has increased security deployments nationwide and pledged firm action against disruptive conduct and illegal roadblocks.
