Matatu operators in the morning blocked Waiyaki way ,Westlands
NAIROBI, Kenya
A nationwide transport sector strike and public protests have paralyzed commuting across Kenya following a sharp increase in retail fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Led by the Matatu Owners Association alongside truckers and boda-boda riders, operators suspended services and blocked major transit corridors after diesel prices surged by 46.29 shillings per liter.
The dynamic situation on the ground across major Kenyan cities and towns highlights widespread disruptions, localized demonstrations, and heavily hiked commuter fares.
Nairobi and Metropolitan Area
Public service vehicles (PSVs) have completely withdrawn from major highways, leaving thousands of workers and school children stranded.
Heavy traffic disruptions and burning tires have been reported along Lang’ata Road, Waiyaki Way, Jogoo Road and Thika Road.
In the outlying metropolitan hub of Kitengela, matatu operators blocked roads and lit bonfires to turn away active vehicles.
Anti-riot police are heavily deployed inside the Central Business District (CBD) to prevent crowds from gathering under a youth-led mass action movement.
Fares on the few operational routes have surged by up to 50 percent.
Mombasa
The Truckers Association of Kenya—which represents over 20,000 truck owners managing approximately 50,000 cargo haulage vehicles—has anchored the strike in this coastal city, severely choking logistics out of the Mombasa Port.
Port entryways, the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway and major roundabouts servicing the city’s industrial zones are heavily impacted by low vehicle activity.
Tuk-tuk and boda-boda operators have formed loose picketing groups at local stages, forcing commuters to pay double or walk long distances.
Police patrols have been reinforced around critical port infrastructure.
Kisumu
The transport matrix across Western Kenya is largely frozen after the local Matatu Association officially joined the midnight shutdown.
Main stages and arterial routes leading into Kisumu City from Kakamega and Kericho are quiet, with isolated groups of youth monitoring compliance.
Boda-boda operators have hiked short-distance fares significantly, from 50 shillings up to 80 shillings, to survive crushing diesel and petrol overheads.
Local businesses and supermarkets report depressed customer foot traffic.
Nakuru
Transport terminals and bus parks within this agricultural hub are at a near-standstill as operators refuse to fuel their fleets at current pump prices.
Sections of the main Nakuru-Eldoret highway and roads around Nakuru North saw brief skirmishes where youth blocked thoroughfares before being dispersed by authorities.
Private motorists face immense pressure from picketers while stranded long-distance travelers remain stuck at regional interchanges due to a lack of connecting shuttles.
Eldoret
The North Rift transit hub has experienced a massive dip in public transport availability as operators comply with nationwide union directives.
The Eldoret CBD bus parks and fueling stations remain highly monitored by both strike organizers and security personnel.
While outright violence has been contained by a visible police presence, the price of transporting farm produce and milk to processing plants has doubled creating widespread anxiety among local traders and farmers.
Nyeri
Activity across Central Kenya is severely constrained with public transport vehicles remaining parked at their respective saccos and depots.
The main Nyeri-Nanyuki highway and local stages serving Mount Kenya routes are largely clear of commercial matatus.
Police officers, including units deployed near the National Police College in Kiganjo are keeping a close watch on transit corridors to ensure rogue elements do not vandalize private property or force businesses to close.
