NAIROBI, Kenya — On Friday night, May 15, 2026, just before 9 PM, Kenya’s Federation of Public Transport Providers dropped a bombshell. They called for a nationwide strike starting Monday morning and, effective immediately, jacked up all fares by 50%. Their reason? Skyrocketing fuel prices and no word of help from the government.
This strike didn’t come out of nowhere. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority just announced another hike, taking petrol and diesel prices to levels Kenyans haven’t seen before. Regional supply snags and the mess in global oil markets are only making things worse.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The strike kicks off at 4:00 AM on Monday, May 18.
- All urban and long-distance routes now cost 50% more—starting now.
- Every public service vehicle is included: matatus, buses, and shuttles.
Transport operators say they’re drowning in losses. One federation spokesperson spelled it out last night: “We can’t keep absorbing these insane fuel prices. The government isn’t doing its part.”
If you’re a commuter, brace yourself. Millions rely on public transport to get to Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and beyond. Monday looks brutal. Even Friday night, downtown Nairobi was packed as people tried to get home, worried that matatus might vanish as early as Saturday morning.
One frustrated passenger summed it up at Kencom station: “This feels like a war on ordinary Kenyans. How are we supposed to pay 50% more when our salaries haven’t budged?”
So what’s the government doing? Not much—at least, not yet. No official response from the Ministry of Transport, but security officers are on high alert in case protests or roadblocks flare up. Earlier in the day, Limuru MP John Kiragu barely missed getting into a serious road accident—a reminder of how dangerous things can get when Kenya’s roads turn chaotic.
The region leans heavily on Kenya’s transport links. With the strike, moving goods out of the Port of Mombasa will slow to a crawl, disrupting trade into the hinterlands and neighboring countries. If you’re flying between Nairobi and Mogadishu, expect headaches with airport transfers and local connections—starting now.
What’s next? Word is, Cabinet members are rushing to State House tonight, possibly to discuss throwing a fuel subsidy on the table and stopping the strike before Monday. Some smaller SACCOs might try to go their own way, but the main federation says everyone’s in. Meanwhile, prepare for eye-watering surge prices on Uber, Bolt, and other ride-hailing apps across Nairobi—tonight and through the weekend.
