The Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) has suspended the Matatu strike that was scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, following stakeholder consultations.

In a notice on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the federation reached a decision after discussions between representatives of Boda Boda operators, Public Service Vehicles (PSV) operators and security agencies.

“Following consultations between representatives of Boda Boda Operators, PSV Operators and Security Agencies, it was agreed that the Matatu Strike scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, be suspended to give dialogue a chance,” the notice read.

FPTS said that further consultations will be held to address the issues that prompted the planned industrial action. Officials emphasised that the goal is to reach a lasting and peaceful solution through structured engagement, with dialogue set to continue among key stakeholders.

“It was agreed that further consultations shall be done between representatives of Private Vehicle Owners, Freight Vehicle Operators, Coach Operators, Matatu Operators, National Police Service and National Transport and Safety Authority with a view of reaching an amicable solution,” the federation wrote on X.

Transport operations across the country were expected to be disrupted after motorists, truckers, and other transport operators announced plans to join matatu operators in a nationwide strike over what they describe as rising lawlessness and impunity on Kenyan roads.

The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) said on Saturday, January 31, 2026, that on behalf of transport workers, private car owners, transporters, and truck drivers would halt operations to support matatu operators, pointing to repeated cases of vehicle burnings and what they described as a lack of government response.

The association said a nationwide strike notice had been issued for Monday, February 2, following the failure by authorities to respond to demands raised by transport operators during a press conference held earlier in the week.  

Transport sector players warned that Monday’s shutdown would mark the beginning of a major protest if decisive action is not taken to restore law and order on the roads, particularly following a spate of violent attacks targeting vehicles.

According to the operators, at least nine vehicles, including matatus, buses, trucks and private cars, have been torched by mobs within a single month. Several of the cases followed road incidents involving pedestrians or boda boda riders in areas such as Juja, Luanda in Vihiga County, and along the Thika Superhighway.

The transporters said the attacks have caused millions of shillings in losses, destroyed livelihoods and placed passengers, drivers and bystanders at serious risk, arguing that the lack of apprehension and prosecutions has encouraged further excesses by the riders.

They further warned that mob justice is increasingly replacing due process, creating fear among motorists and undermining confidence in law enforcement agencies tasked with maintaining order.

Matatu Owners Association, together with PSV operators, first declared the strike, faulting the government for failing to safeguard their vehicles even though the sector ranks among the country’s top taxpayers.

The operators said many matatus are uninsured and depend on government protection, adding that while they continue paying taxes and fuel levies that support road maintenance and other public services, their businesses remain exposed to destruction.