Matatu operators have suspended their nationwide strike for one week after talks with the government over rising fuel costs that triggered the industrial action.
The suspension followed negotiations between officials from the Transport Sector Alliance (TSA), the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Treasury representatives, and transport regulators amid mounting pressure over the economic impact of the shutdown.
Speaking to the Media, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, and East Africa Tour Guides and Drivers Association (EATGDA) CEO Kennedy Kaunda confirmed that the Matatu strike has been called off for one week.
“That there was need for negotiations between the government and the stakeholders at a high level and that those negotiations must be undertaken within the next one week that in the interceding period between now and Tuesday 26th May of 2026 that the strike that is ongoing is suspended for a period of one week to provide avenue for consultation, negotiation between the government and stakeholders,” said Murkomen.
Interior CS Murkomen confirmed that public transport stakeholders had requested a KSh 46 reduction in fuel price and are still pushing for more reduction despite reduction of Ksh 10 on Monday by EPRA.
Matatu Strike in the country has been ongoing for the second time after EPRA increased fuel prices for Petrol by Ksh 16.65/litre and Diesel by Ksh 46.29/litre on May 14.
Also Read: EPRA Announces New Fuel Prices After Countrywide Protests
Matatu Strike to Resume If No Negotiation Is Met
Kushan Muchiri, the CEO of the Federation of Public Transport Sector and National Chairman of the Association of Matatu Transport Owners, has announced that negotiations with the government have officially begun, urging public transport drivers and conductors to resume operations immediately.
Muchiri said the transport sector leaders had hoped to secure the KSh46 they were demanding but acknowledged progress after the government agreed to engage them in talks.
He noted that the concerns raised by the matatu industry were now being taken seriously, adding that earlier engagement by authorities could have prevented the disruption witnessed during the strike.
However, he warned that the strike could resume within the next seven days if the ongoing negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory agreement.
“Today, as much as we would have been happy to say that we got the 46 shillings that we were seeking,we are also glad that at least negotiations have started in earnest and that the seriousness and the need for our demands to be met and for our transport industry to be taken seriously has been well noted by government. And had this, unfortunately, had we been taken seriously on Friday, I think we would not be here. So, on behalf of the Federation of Public Transport Sector and the Association of Matatu Transport Owners, mine is to urge all our membership, our drivers, our conductors to resume operations effective immediately so that we can be able to assist our Kenyans continue with their normal running of their normal activities.But we want to assure our members that we, within the next seven days, we shall have done the best of negotiations, and I believe by the time we come back here, we will come with a good solution,” said Muchiri.
Also Read: New Fuel Prices in Major Towns as EPRA Recalculates Prices at Night
EPRA New Petroleum Prices in 5 Major Towns After Adjustments
According to the EPRA statement, in Nairobi, Super Petrol will retail at KSh 214.25 per litre, Diesel at KSh 232.86, and Kerosene at KSh 191.38 during the review period.
Motorists in Mombasa will pay KSh 211.09 per litre for Super Petrol, KSh 229.58 for Diesel, and KSh 188.09 for Kerosene.
In Nakuru, the new prices are KSh 213.15 for Super Petrol, KSh 232.27 for Diesel, and KSh 190.81 for Kerosene.
Eldoret residents will pay KSh 213.92 per litre for Petrol, KSh 233.09 for Diesel, and KSh 191.63 for Kerosene under the latest review.
In Kisumu, Super Petrol will retail at KSh 213.91, Diesel at KSh 233.08, while Kerosene will cost KSh 191.63 per litre.
