Kenya Faces Transport Paralysis as Nationwide Fuel Strike Begins at Midnight
Kenya is bracing for widespread disruption after transport operators across the country launched a nationwide strike at midnight in protest over soaring fuel prices and alleged Government failures in the petroleum sector.
The industrial action, described by organisers as one of the largest coordinated shutdowns in the nation’s transport history, is expected to affect public transport, cargo movement, ride-hailing services and supply chains nationwide.
In a strongly worded joint statement issued on Sunday, the Transport Sector Alliance confirmed that all vehicles operating under participating associations would remain off the roads from Monday, May 18, following what it termed a unanimous resolution by stakeholders.
“Following a high-level consultative meeting on Sunday, May 17, 2026, all stakeholders in Kenya’s transport sector have unanimously reaffirmed that no vehicle shall move starting midnight today,” the statement said.
“The nationwide Transport Sector Fuel Strike scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026, is fully on.”
The alliance said the action has drawn support from nearly every major transport subsector in the country, including passenger service vehicles, cargo and logistics firms, motorcycle taxi operators, digital taxi services, tourism transport providers, school buses, driving schools and private motorists.
Among the organisations backing the strike are the Matatu Owners Association, Motorist Association of Kenya, Truckers Association of Kenya and the Digital Taxi Association of Kenya.
The alliance claimed the shutdown had a “99 per cent success rate”, warning that ordinary Kenyans would feel the immediate impact as transport services grind to a halt.
“This action is not only for transport operators, but for every Kenyan citizen,” the statement added.
“The ordinary mwananchi is the ultimate victim of high fuel prices, paying more for transport, food, electricity and essential commodities.”
The strike follows mounting anger over the latest fuel price review announced on May 14, which triggered fresh criticism from transport operators and consumers already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Stakeholders are demanding an immediate reversal of the fuel price increase and want petrol and diesel prices reduced to approximately Sh152 per litre. They are also calling for all petroleum products to be standardised at the current kerosene price of Sh152.78 per litre.
In addition, the alliance is demanding the resignation or dismissal of the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, investigations into alleged substandard fuel imports and urgent measures to end recurring fuel shortages.
The group further called for the disbandment of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, restructuring of the National Oil Corporation of Kenya and the revival of the Changamwe Oil Refinery to refine crude oil locally from Turkana.
The alliance also criticised the Government-to-Government fuel importation arrangement, arguing that it had failed to stabilise prices and should be replaced with a competitive open-market system.
“Enough is enough. Fuel is the lifeblood of the economy. When fuel prices rise beyond reason, the entire nation suffers,” the statement said.
Organisers have urged private motorists, farmers and business owners to join peaceful demonstrations expected to take place in towns and trading centres across the country throughout Monday.
With fears of transport paralysis growing, Kenyans now face uncertainty over commuting, movement of goods and access to essential services as the standoff between transport operators and the Government escalates.
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