All motorists, boda boda riders, digital cab operators, long-distance commuters, and tourist vehicle operators have announced a nationwide strike beginning Monday, May 18, as pressure mounts on the government over the latest increase in fuel prices announced by EPRA.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The planned industrial action comes amid growing outrage from transport stakeholders and commuters following the sharp rise in fuel costs, which has already triggered widespread fare hikes and renewed fears of a major transport shutdown across the country.

In a joint statement on Saturday, May 16, issued by the Transport Alliance after a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Nairobi, transport operators from multiple sectors said they had unanimously agreed to stage a countrywide strike and peaceful protests over what they termed as ‘sharp and unjustified’ fuel price hikes.

The planned industrial action will also involve members of the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK), matatu owners and operators, cargo and freight transporters, commuter representatives, as well as private motorists and other fuel-dependent sectors.

📌 What You Need to Know

The announcement comes barely days after EPRA increased the price of super petrol by Ksh16.65 per litre and diesel by Ksh46.29 per litre for the May to June 2026 pricing cycle.

Following the review released on Thursday, May 14, Super Petrol is now retailing at a maximum of Ksh214.25 per litre, while diesel rose sharply to Ksh242.92 per litre, with the new prices taking effect from May 15 for the next 30 days.

In the wake of the developments, the transport stakeholders accused the government and EPRA of worsening the cost of living through what they described as exploitative fuel pricing, arguing that the increases have triggered a ripple effect across the economy.

“The fuel price increase announced on the 14th has worsened the already unbearable cost of living and directly contributed to skyrocketing commodity prices affecting every Kenyan household,” read part of the statement issued by the Motorists Association of Kenya.

The alliance demanded the immediate withdrawal of the latest fuel price increase and called for the harmonisation of fuel prices to prevent unlawful fuel mixing involving kerosene and other petroleum products.

Further, the stakeholders also demanded the immediate disbandment of EPRA, accusing the regulator of failing Kenyans and enabling punitive fuel pricing that has crippled transport operators and ordinary consumers alike.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke