Transport sector in crisis as fuel prices trigger nationwide strike.

A nationwide transport strike paralysed operations across parts of the country on Monday after matatu operators, truck drivers, boda boda riders and other transport stakeholders withdrew services in protest against the rising cost of fuel and the increasing economic pressure on Kenyans.

In several towns, matatus were seen parked at termini as operators joined the industrial action, accusing the government of failing to control fuel prices and protect citizens from the rising cost of living. Passengers were left stranded in some areas as transport services remained disrupted.

The strike followed a joint resolution by the Transport Sector Alliance after a consultative meeting held on Sunday, May 17, where stakeholders unanimously agreed that no vehicle would operate from midnight on Monday.

According to the alliance, the protest received support from multiple transport subsectors including passenger transport operators, cargo and logistics companies, ride-hailing services, boda boda operators, tourism transport providers, driving schools, school buses and private motorists.

The stakeholders said the latest fuel price increase announced by the government on May 14 had worsened the financial burden on both operators and consumers, making transport operations unsustainable.

Transport sector players are now demanding the immediate reversal of the fuel price hike, reduction of petrol and diesel prices to about Sh152 per litre and the standardisation of petroleum products at the current kerosene price of Sh152.78 per litre.

They also called for accountability in the energy sector, including the resignation or dismissal of the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum over what they described as failure to address the fuel crisis and recurring fuel shortages.

Among the organisations backing the strike are the Federation of Public Transport Sector, Matatu Owners Association, Motorist Association of Kenya, Truckers Association of Kenya, Digital Taxi Association of Kenya and the Association of Bus Operators.

The alliance further demanded the disbandment of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), restructuring of the National Oil Corporation of Kenya and revival of the Changamwe Oil Refinery to enable local processing of Turkana crude oil.

The transport stakeholders warned that continued increases in fuel prices would cripple businesses, disrupt public transport and further raise the cost of living for millions of Kenyans already struggling with the harsh economic situation.