By Ongaga Ongaga
A nationwide transport sector fuel strike commenced at midnight on Monday following unanimous agreement among Kenya’s transport industry stakeholders to suspend services in protest against escalating fuel prices and governmental policies affecting the petroleum sector.
Following a high-level consultation meeting on Sunday, the Transport Sector Alliance released a joint statement asserting that “no vehicle shall operate” once the strike commences, characterizing the action as among the most extensive coordinated industrial demonstrations in Kenya’s historical record.
The alliance indicated that all transport subsectors, encompassing passenger services, cargo and logistics, ride-hailing platforms, motorcycle transportation, tourism conveyances, driving schools, educational institution buses, and private vehicle owners, had consented to engage in the collective work stoppage.
“This initiative extends beyond transport operators to embrace every Kenyan citizen,” the statement declared. “The common citizen bears the brunt of elevated fuel costs, experiencing increased expenses for transportation, food, electricity, and necessary goods.”
The alliance asserted that agriculturalists, entrepreneurs, laborers, and consumers nationwide had already demonstrated support for the strike and were anticipated to join demonstrations in urban centers, commercial areas, and neighborhood gatherings.
The organizations endorsing the strike comprised the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS), Matatu Owners Association, Rig Owners Association, Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK), Association of Matatu Transport Owners (AMTO), and Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association. Additional supporters included the Truckers Association of Kenya, Digital Taxi Association of Kenya, Tour Guide Association, Association of Bus Operators, Counties Commuters Welfare Association, Mass Mobility Operators Association, Driving School Association, and individual vehicle owners.
The alliance stated that the “unprecedented solidarity” throughout the transport sector provides the strike with “99 percent likelihood of success.”
Primary demands from the protesters include the immediate reversal of the fuel price increment announced on May 14, 2026, and the standardization of all petroleum products at the existing kerosene rate of Sh152.78 per litre.
The alliance further seeks reduction of petrol and diesel prices to approximately Sh152 per litre, with an objective of maintaining rates between Sh140 and Sh150 per litre in the long term.
The collective additionally called for the removal of the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, responsibility for personnel implicated in permitting the importation and distribution of inferior fuel, and prompt termination of recurring fuel deficiencies.
Additional requests encompass the reinstatement of a competitive free-market fuel procurement mechanism to supersede the existing Government-to-Government framework, and a reply from Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi to a memorandum presented by concerned parties.
They also advocated for the dissolution of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) in favor of an autonomous, non-partisan Energy Regulation Commission.
The alliance also desires fuel price assessments to occur quarterly with stakeholder representation, reorganization of the National Oil Corporation of Kenya, and revitalization of the Changamwe Oil Refinery for processing Turkana crude oil domestically.
“The situation has reached its limit. Fuel constitutes the vital component of the economy. When fuel costs escalate excessively, the entire population endures hardship,” the statement emphasized.
The alliance contended that Kenya must cease bearing among the highest fuel costs in the region, observing that nations including Ethiopia sustain substantially lower pump prices despite lacking direct sea access.
Stakeholders additionally encouraged private vehicle owners to participate in the protests, cautioning that inaction would equate to tolerating elevated fuel expenses, costly food products, increasing transportation fees, and a declining economic condition.
The protests are anticipated to occur in metropolitan areas, municipal districts, urban centers, and commercial locations throughout the nation, with agriculturalists encouraged to demonstrate in proximity to their residences and entrepreneurs near their business establishments.
The alliance maintained that the strike would remain orderly and lawful, explaining its purpose as compelling the Government to address the grievances of transport providers and ordinary populace.