Online taxi drivers under the ‘Unity of Uber, Bolt and Faras Drivers’ movement have agreed to a nationwide strike from Monday, May 18, 2026, as they join the strike by the matatu industry, demanding a reduction in high fuel prices.

In an official notice to drivers and the public on their Facebook account on Sunday, May 17, 2026, the drivers announced that all online taxi services will be discontinued nationwide as part of a coordinated boycott to compel the government to take action on the rising cost of petrol, which has had a major impact on transport and the cost of living.

“Official Notice: Online Taxi Drivers Solidarity and Strike Action Monday, 18th May 2026 (kesho): Solidarity Boycott. Action: No online taxi operations nationwide. Reason: Supporting the matatu industry demonstration. Urging the government to lower fuel prices,” the notice read.

The boycott of Monday, May 18, 2026, the online taxi service has said, will be a gesture of solidarity with matatu operators, who have complained that a steady rise in fuel prices has increased operating costs and lowered profits for matatu owners and drivers.

Online taxi services strike notice

The drivers also revealed that the industrial action would escalate on Tuesday, May 20, 2026, when there would be a full nationwide online taxi drivers’ strike and street demonstrations in several urban centres.

Online taxi operators claim they protest unfair pricing models set by digital taxi-hailing apps, in particular, low fares that no longer reflect the increasing cost of living and the cost of operating the vehicles.

“Then on Tuesday, 19th May 2026, there will be an official online taxi demonstration, which will be a full drivers’ strike and street demonstration. Reason: Protesting unfair pricing by digital taxi apps and demanding adjustment of ride fares to match the high cost of living,” the notice added.

Their demands include re-evaluating ride rates based on the economic climate, as well as cutting down on commissions taken by ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt and Faras.

They say the cost of apps, in addition to rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, inflation, etc., has left a lot of operators struggling to make sustainable profits.

The strike for public transport operators and matatus is on Monday, May 18, 2026, and is expected to take effect, as they complain of unsustainable public transport due to the rising fuel costs. The disruption will likely impact commuters in big towns and cities, with transport operators calling for “urgent” government action.

Less traffic in Nairobi’s CBD and environs

The People Daily Digital has observed slow traffic movement along major bus stations with few Matatus operating in Nairobi’s CBD and along the Thika Super Highway in the early morning hours ahead of the planned public transport strike.

Several areas of the country are likely to experience transport disruptions as matatu operators and online taxi drivers start to ramp up pressure on authorities to respond to their grievances.