Private cars warned to keep off roads as nationwide matatu strike kicks off
By Mustafa Juma, May 18, 2026Kenyans have been urged to keep private vehicles off the roads as a nationwide transport strike over rising fuel prices officially kicks off, threatening major disruption across the country.
The warning was issued by the Motorists Association of Kenya via social media on the night of Sunday, May 17, 2026, which announced solidarity with the broader Transport Sector Alliance leading the industrial action.
In one of the statements shared ahead of the strike, the association warned motorists to avoid using private cars during the demonstrations.
“It is a huge strike. Keep your private car away,” the association stated.
In a separate poster circulated on social media, the group declared:
“ALL PRIVATE CARS TO KEEP OFF ROADS TOMORROW, 19TH MAY COUNTRYWIDE IN SOLIDARITY WITH TRANSPORT SECTOR ALLIANCE. NO TO HIGH FUEL PRICES.”
Nationwide transport shutdown
The strike involves multiple transport subsectors, including matatu operators, boda boda associations, ride-hailing drivers, cargo transporters, tourist vehicle operators, school transport providers, and private motorists.
The alliance says the industrial action is aimed at protesting recent fuel price hikes, which stakeholders argue have worsened the already high cost of living.
Transport operators maintain that increasing fuel costs have triggered fare hikes, higher commodity prices, and mounting economic pressure on ordinary Kenyans.
Fear of major disruption
The strike is expected to affect movement in major cities, municipalities, towns, and trading centres across the country, with fears of transport paralysis and widespread commuter disruptions.
Many commuters are likely to face difficulties accessing workplaces, schools, and business centres if matatus and other public service vehicles remain off the roads.
The warning to private motorists has also heightened concerns over possible demonstrations and congestion in key urban areas.
Calls for solidarity
The Transport Sector Alliance has framed the strike as a broader economic protest rather than a dispute limited to transport operators.
Organisers have urged farmers, traders, workers, and consumers to participate in demonstrations against high fuel prices and the rising cost of living.
“This action is not only for transport operators, but for every Kenyan citizen,” the alliance previously stated.
The protests pile fresh pressure on the administration of President William Ruto, which continues to face criticism over soaring fuel prices and economic hardship.
Transport leaders have demanded the reversal of recent fuel price increases, reforms in fuel pricing, and broader government intervention to cushion citizens from escalating living costs.
Authorities are yet to issue a detailed response regarding traffic management and security arrangements during the nationwide action.
Several matatu saccos plying various Nairobi routes have already issued notices of operational suspension to participate in the strike.
On May 17, 2026, at night, public transport operator Super Metro announced a temporary suspension of its services ahead of the nationwide matatu strike.
The company said it would halt operations in view of the planned industrial action.
“In view of the MATATU STRIKE slated for tomorrow, we will not be in operation. We shall communicate when services will resume. Thank you,” the notice stated.
Forward Travellers Sacco, K-Trans Ltd, Latema Travellers, and Ryan Coach Ltd are also among the operators that have issued temporary suspension notices.