Nairobi commuters were left stranded on Monday morning, February 2, 2026, after sections of the matatu industry stayed off the roads, despite reports that a planned strike had been called off.

Long queues formed at bus stops across Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), forcing many workers to walk long distances or turn to alternative transport options such as boda bodas and ride-hailing services.

Thika town

In Thika Town, passengers heading to Nairobi were also stranded, with photos circulating on social media showing long lines at matatu stages and frustrated commuters waiting for rides.

Nairobi

Some matatu operators went further by blocking major roads, including Moi Avenue in the Nairobi CBD and briefly along Waiyaki Way in Westlands, causing severe traffic congestion and slowing down the morning rush hour.

The strike comes amid growing tension between the matatu sector and boda boda operators. Matatu associations have raised concerns over incidents where boda boda riders allegedly destroy matatu vehicles involved in accidents instead of following legal procedures.

The operators say this has created a hostile and unsafe working environment.

Matatu strike suspension

The matatu strike kicked off despite the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) suspending it following stakeholder consultations.

In a notice on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the federation said it had decided 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.

The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) had 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.