Matatu Strike Called Off With Immediate Effect After Government Talks

Matatu operators have suspended their nationwide strike with immediate effect. The decision came after talks with government officials over rising fuel costs that triggered the industrial action.

The Transport Sector Alliance reached the agreement during negotiations involving the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Treasury representatives and transport regulators. The suspension aims to ease economic pressure while further discussions take place.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen outlined the outcome. “There was need for negotiations between the government and the stakeholders at a high level and that those negotiations must be undertaken within the next one week that in the interceding period between now and Tuesday 26th May of 2026 that the strike that is ongoing is suspended for a period of one week,” he said.

The strike, which entered its second day on Tuesday, had caused widespread disruptions. Very few matatus operated, commuters walked long distances, schools suspended classes and some roads saw blockades.

The action followed the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s fuel price review and subsequent revision. Diesel currently stands at Ksh.232.86 per litre until June 14.

Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi for Energy and Petroleum and Davis Chirchir for Roads and Transport took part in the engagements. The talks addressed operator concerns about the sustainability of operations under current pump prices, taxes and levies.

Commuters can expect a gradual return to normal services as operators resume work. Many had been stranded earlier in the day, with increased pedestrian movement and lighter traffic on major corridors.

The government had earlier pointed to global factors, including tensions involving Iran, as drivers of the price increases. National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi had defended the pricing structure, including the Road Maintenance Levy component.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had called for calm while a high-level team engaged stakeholders on President William Ruto’s directive.

The one-week suspension provides breathing space for both sides. Operators will monitor progress in the negotiations before deciding on next steps after May 26.

Public transport users should still plan movements carefully in the coming hours as full services resume. The situation had remained fluid throughout Tuesday morning before the announcement.