The nationwide matatu strike has been suspended for one week after the government held talks with public transport sector stakeholders over the rising cost of fuel.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the government said both sides agreed to continue negotiations while transport operators resume services across the country.

The strike had disrupted transport in Nairobi and other towns on Monday and Tuesday, May 19, 2026, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. In several areas, protests turned chaotic as demonstrators lit bonfires, blocked roads and clashed with police.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government understands the pressure Kenyans are facing due to the increase in global fuel prices linked to the crisis in the Middle East.

“The Government appreciates the challenges faced by Kenyans as a result of the rising global fuel prices occasioned by the Middle East crisis,” the statement read.

The government noted that it had already introduced several measures to reduce the burden on consumers. Last month, it reduced VAT on petroleum products by 8 per cent and also used the Petroleum Development Levy to stabilise fuel prices.

Despite those interventions, transport operators continued to push for further reductions in fuel prices, especially diesel, which is widely used by matatus, buses and trucks.

The government announced that it had reduced the price of diesel by Ksh10 per litre on Monday night, May 18, 2026. It also adjusted kerosene prices to prevent fuel adulteration by dealers mixing kerosene with diesel.

Following Tuesday morning’s May 19, 2026 meeting, both sides agreed to continue discussions.

“Following a meeting this morning between the Government and representatives of public sector stakeholders, we agreed as follows: That there was need for further negotiations between the Government and the stakeholders; That the strike is suspended for one week to give room for the negotiations,” the statement added.

Commuters face disruptions

Transport stakeholders also distanced themselves from violence and destruction witnessed during the protests.

“The public sector transport stakeholders have further condemned the incidences of violence and destruction witnessed yesterday and disassociate themselves from the chaos,” the statement said.

Soon after the announcement, several matatu operators confirmed they had resumed normal services.

Super Metro posted: “BACK TO WORK. We resume our normal operations immediately. Stay safe.”

Metrotrans Ltd also announced the return of services, telling customers that normal operations had resumed following the suspension of the strike.

The strike had been organised by transport sector groups protesting against high fuel prices and the increasing cost of operations. Operators argued that rising diesel prices had made it difficult to run vehicles profitably.

The shutdown affected businesses, schools and workers who rely on public transport daily. In some estates in Nairobi, commuters were forced to walk long distances after matatus stayed off the roads.

The government said it remains committed to finding a solution through dialogue and urged Kenyans to use peaceful and lawful means to air grievances.

The next round of negotiations is expected within the coming days as both sides seek a long-term solution to the fuel dispute.