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In a joint statement issued on Sunday, May 17, the Transport Sector Alliance announced that all participating operators will withdraw services across the country, bringing passenger and cargo movement to a halt.

“Following a high-level consultative meeting held today, Sunday, 17th May 2026, all stakeholders in Kenya’s transport sector have unanimously reaffirmed that no vehicle shall move starting midnight today. The nationwide Transport Sector Fuel Strike scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026, is fully on,” the statement read.

The alliance said the action has backing from multiple subsectors, including matatu operators, truckers, ride-hailing drivers, boda boda riders, tourism transport providers, driving schools, school transport services, and private motorists.

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Matatu Owners Association President Albert Karakacha at a press conference

According to the statement, the broad-based support gives the strike near-total participation across the transport ecosystem.

“This action is not only for transport operators, but for every Kenyan citizen. The ordinary mwananchi is the ultimate victim of high fuel prices, paying more for transport, food, electricity, and essential commodities,” the alliance said.

The group further called on farmers, traders, workers, and consumers to show solidarity through demonstrations in towns, markets, and local centres, saying the crisis affects all sectors of the economy.

Among the organisations backing the strike are the Federation of Public Transport Sector, Matatu Owners Association, Motorist Association of Kenya, Truckers Association of Kenya, Digital Taxi Association of Kenya, and several other industry groups.

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File image of matatus and private vehicles on the road

The alliance said it expects widespread participation, terming the strike one of the largest coordinated industrial actions in the country’s history.

Transport stakeholders are demanding the immediate reversal of the recent fuel price increase announced on May 14, and are pushing for petrol and diesel prices to be reduced to around Sh152 per litre.

They are also calling for major structural changes in the energy sector, including accountability over fuel importation, review of the current procurement system, and reforms at regulatory agencies overseeing petroleum pricing.

Additional demands include a review of leadership within the energy sector and broader reforms aimed at stabilising fuel costs.