Matatu operators have announced a nationwide strike beginning on Monday, alongside a 50 per cent increase in fares, in protest against recent fuel price rises.
The Matatu Owners Association, chaired by Albert Karakacha, stated the industry has been pushed to breaking point by escalating operational costs, warning public transport will cease functioning unless the government addresses their demands.
“On Monday, there will be absolutely no vehicle movement; all roads will be blocked until the government responds to our pleas because we have been promised solutions, but nothing promised has materialized,” declared Karakacha.
He added that all public transport investors have been instructed to immediately implement a 50 per cent fare increase, arguing this adjustment is essential to maintain operations following the fuel cost surge.
“All transport network companies, regardless of location, should be aware we will increase prices by 50% because we have no alternative mechanism,” they warned.
The announcement comes shortly after the government’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increased retail fuel prices in its latest pricing cycle.
According to EPRA, diesel prices rose by Sh46.29 per litre, while super petrol increased by Sh16.65 per litre.
In Nairobi, petrol and diesel are currently priced at Sh214.25 and Sh242.92 per litre respectively.
In its Thursday statement, EPRA indicated kerosene prices would remain stable during the review period covering May 15 to June 14, 2026.
The regulator attributed the adjustments to fluctuations in global oil prices and the expense of imported refined petroleum products.
Fuel prices in Kenya directly impact transportation costs, electricity generation, food prices, and overall economic goods and services.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi had earlier announced the government will allocate approximately Sh5 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund to offset rising fuel costs in the latest monthly review.
He stated this intervention has been used to stabilize diesel and kerosene prices, even as Super Petrol and diesel experience significant increases driven by global market pressures, including rising crude oil prices, freight costs, and Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions.
“To minimize the effect of escalating global petroleum prices on consumers and the broader economy, the government has employed the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) stabilization mechanism to cushion diesel and kerosene prices during this review period,” explained Wandayi.
“Approximately KSh 5 billion has been utilized to moderate price increases while maintaining stability within the petroleum supply chain.”
EPRA maintained the pricing model ensures importation costs are recovered while protecting consumers from excessive market volatility.