The alliance warned that continued increases in pump prices were threatening livelihoods and pushing operational costs beyond sustainable levels, especially for public transport operators who rely heavily on fuel.

📻 Breaking It Down

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 16 – Transport operators across Kenya have escalated their standoff with the government, calling for the disbandment of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) ahead of a nationwide strike set to begin on Monday.

The Transport Alliance, bringing together matatu operators, boda boda riders, digital taxi drivers, cargo transporters and other fuel-dependent stakeholders, said the regulator has failed Kenyans by presiding over repeated fuel price increases that have made transport operations unsustainable.

The group accused EPRA of enabling what they termed as “exploitative fuel pricing,” arguing that the regulator has not protected consumers or operators from the rising cost of petroleum products.

📌 What You Need to Know

The operators warned that unless urgent action is taken, including the scrapping of EPRA and reforming the fuel pricing framework, they will proceed with nationwide protests and a transport shutdown that could paralyse economic activity across the country.

The planned industrial action is expected to involve a wide range of transport and fuel-reliant sectors, including public service vehicles, ride-hailing operators, freight carriers, tourist transport services, and private motorists.

If implemented, the strike could severely disrupt movement in major towns and cities, affecting commuters, supply chains, and business operations nationwide.

The Transport Alliance said the decision follows what it described as “sharp and unjustified” increases in fuel prices announced in the latest review cycle, which it claims have pushed the cost of living even higher.

The protest comes days after EPRA announced a significant adjustment in fuel prices, with Super Petrol and diesel increasing sharply in the May–June pricing cycle.

Motorists in Nairobi are now paying over Sh214 per litre of petrol and more than Sh240 per litre of diesel, figures transport operators say are unsustainable for business survival.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya