Boda boda riders, taxi operators, and matatu owners across Kenya are expected to join the nationwide strike starting Monday, May 18, 2026, following the increase in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
In a statement on May 16, the Motorists Association of Kenya said transport stakeholders would down their tools to protest recent fuel price increases.
“ Under the Transport Alliance, transport associations hereby issue a nationwide strike notice effective Monday, 18th May 2026, in protest of the continued sharp and unjustified increase in fuel prices imposed by the Government through EPRA,” read part of the statement.
Transport Sector Demand Disbandment of EPRA Over Fuel Increase
The strike was organized under the Transport Alliance after a meeting in Nairobi, where different groups agreed to stop operations across the country.
Also Read: Breakdown of New Fuel Prices Across Kenya’s Major Towns After EPRA Hike
Those expected to join the strike include matatu operators, boda boda associations, digital taxi drivers, cargo and freight transporters, tourist vehicle operators, and private motorists. Other fuel-dependent groups, such as generator operators, have also backed the action.
The transport groups say the recent increase in fuel prices has made life difficult, pushing up transport costs and the price of basic goods for ordinary Kenyans.
“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,” read a statement shared by the Motorists Association.
In the statement, the transport sector lobby said the action is in protest of the continued sharp and unjustified increase in fuel prices imposed by the Government through EPRA.
The association also warned that the latest fuel price changes announced on May 14 have made the cost of living unbearable across the country.
The alliance is now urging the government to reverse the latest fuel price increase and review how fuel prices are set. They also want action taken against what they describe as unfair pricing in the sector.
Among the demands is the disbandment of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which the statements allege has failed to protect Kenyans. They are also calling for a more open-air market to allow fair competition.
The organizers have urged Kenyans to support the strike and join peaceful protests, saying the move is meant to protect livelihoods.
Matatus Announce Countrywide Strike, Fare Increases by 50%
The Matatu Owners Association announced it would hold countrywide protests on Monday, May 18, until the government heeds its demands.
Also Read: EPRA Announces Fuel Prices for May and June Cycle
In a statement issued on Friday, May 15, the Association’s chairman, Albert Karakacha, said the operators would block roads and that there would be no vehicle movement.
The motorists also noted that they would increase the fare by 50 percent, a decision that follows the latest increase in super petrol and diesel prices announced by EPRA.
“On Monday, there will be strictly no movement of any vehicles. All the roads will be blocked until the government listens to our cry because we had been promised, but the promises did not come to fruition,” said Albert Karakacha.
The motorists also urged public transport investors to increase fares by 50 percent.
Karakacha disclosed that the fare prices will remain elevated and that they will strike until the government heeds their demand for cheaper fuel prices.
The representatives from the transport sector stated that the rising cost of fuel has significantly affected their daily earnings and operational expenses, forcing them to raise fares.
According to the operators, all matatus across various routes in Nairobi and other parts of the country are expected to implement the new charges immediately.
EPRA Announcement on Fuel Prices for May and June Cycle
EPRA announced an increase in fuel prices for the period between May 15 and June 4, 2026.
In its monthly review report on Thursday, May 14, EPRA stated that the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for Super Petrol, Diesel increased, while Kerosene remained unchanged.
“In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for Super Petrol and Diesel increase by Ksh.16.65/litre and Ksh.46.29/litre respectively, while the price of Kerosene remained unchanged,” EPRA said.
That meant that a liter of Super Petrol in Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene retail at Kshs.214.25, Kshs.242.92 and Kshs.152.78 effective the midnight on May 14, for the next 30 days.
EPRA stated that the prices are inclusive of the VAT, in line with the VAT Act, 2013, as read with Legal Notice No.70 dated 15th April 2026, the Finance Act, 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024, and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.
