The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has issued a nationwide strike notice, warning of a countrywide shutdown beginning Monday, May 18, 2026, in protest against the recent increase in fuel prices.

The association, operating under the Transport Alliance together with multiple transport and mobility stakeholders, said the industrial action will affect key sectors, including public transport, freight, logistics, and private motorists across the country.

In a notice issued via social media on Friday, May 15, 2026, after a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Nairobi, the association said the decision was reached unanimously due to what it termed as “unjustified fuel price increases” announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

Stakeholders argue that the latest fuel price adjustment on May 14 has worsened the cost of living, triggering higher transport fares and increased prices of basic commodities.

“Under the Transport Alliance, Transport associations hereby issues a nationwide strike notice effective Monday, 18th May 2026, in protest against the continued sharp and unjustified increase in fuel prices imposed by the Government through EPRA,” the statement reads in part.

“Following a high-level joint stakeholders’ meeting held today in Nairobi, representatives from the following sectors unanimously resolved to commence countrywide industrial action and peaceful protests.”

Sectors expected to participate

The planned strike is expected to involve a wide range of fuel-dependent groups, including the matatu owners and operators, the boda boda associations, digital cab operators, freight and cargo transporters, tourist vehicle operators, private motorists, and borehole and generator operators.

Organisers say the action will amount to a near-total disruption of transport services if implemented fully.

Key demands to government

The Transport Alliance has issued several demands, including immediate withdrawal of the recent fuel price increase, harmonisation of fuel pricing to prevent market distortions, disbandment of EPRA, which they accuse of enabling high fuel costs, and liberalisation of fuel pricing to allow market-driven competition.

They also accused the government of contributing to rising inflation through what they described as punitive fuel taxation policies.

The association has urged all affected Kenyans to support the planned protests, warning that the country could face major transport disruptions if their grievances are not addressed.

“The Transport Alliance further calls upon all Kenyans suffering under the burden of high fuel costs and rising commodity prices to join the nationwide protests beginning Monday. This action is a united stand for economic justice, fairness, and the protection of livelihoods,” the statement read in part.

The announcement sets the stage for a potential nationwide transport crisis, with fears of paralysed mobility and supply chain disruptions if the strike goes ahead as planned.

Fuel pricing logic

Earlier, MAK had raised concerns over the recent fuel price adjustments, questioning the rationale behind the increase in petrol and diesel prices while kerosene prices were left unchanged.

In a statement on Friday, May 15, 2026, the association argued that the decision exposes inconsistencies in the government’s pricing justification, suggesting that there may not have been sufficient grounds for the sharp rise in fuel costs affecting motorists and businesses.

“The fact that kerosene/paraffin prices were not increased exposes the government’s dishonesty, because it proves there was no genuine justification for raising fuel prices in the first place,” the association said.