Matatu operators have announced a nationwide strike starting Monday and warned passengers to expect a 50% increase in fares following the latest fuel price hike.
The Matatu Owners Association, led by chairman Albert Karakacha, said rising fuel prices and operational costs have pushed the transport sector into crisis.
Karakacha said matatu operators will stop operations nationwide until the government responds to their concerns.
“On Monday, there will be no movement of vehicles. We will block roads until the government listens to us because many promises remain unfulfilled,” he said.
The association also directed all public transport operators to increase fares by 50% to help cover the rising cost of fuel and daily operations.
The announcement followed the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
EPRA increased diesel prices by Sh 46.29 per litre and super petrol by Sh 16.65 per litre in the latest monthly review.
In Nairobi, petrol now retails at Sh214.25 per litre, while diesel costs Sh242.92 per litre. EPRA maintained kerosene prices during the May 15 to June 14, 2026 review period.
The regulator linked the price changes to rising global oil prices, increased freight costs, and the higher cost of imported petroleum products.
Fuel prices directly affect transport, food prices, and the overall cost of goods and services across Kenya’s economy.
Earlier, Opiyo Wandayi said the government would use about Sh5 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) fund to cushion consumers from the rising fuel prices.
Wandayi said the government introduced the subsidy to stabilize diesel and kerosene prices amid pressure from global oil markets and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
He added that the intervention aims to reduce the impact of rising fuel prices on consumers and maintain stability in the petroleum supply chain.
