Matatu operators in Garissa on Monday joined a growing wave of nationwide industrial action, grounding their vehicles in protest over high fuel prices that they say have made operations unsustainable.

The operators vowed not to resume services until their grievances are addressed, warning that the rising cost of fuel is pushing many out of business and threatening their livelihoods.

“We have families and children that we are supposed to pay fees for, but this rising cost of fuel that is constantly upward is making life difficult,” said Mohamed Hajir of Gamama Sacco, speaking alongside fellow operators.

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He urged President William Ruto to urgently intervene, saying Kenyans are increasingly burdened by the high cost of living.

The operators, dressed in red attire, were seen moving around parked vehicles at their stages, where most matatus remained grounded as the strike took effect.

Buses operating along the Nairobi–Garissa route also halted services, with vehicles parked at designated stations and no passenger movement on the corridor.

Swaleh Mohamed, a stage manager, said operators were under immense pressure, noting that frequent fuel price increases were making it impossible to sustain the industry.

“You can’t increase the fare every time, and on the other hand, fuel keeps going up. Sometimes you end up making losses because the little profit you get cannot be shared between owners, workers, and vehicle maintenance,” he said.

Across the country, matatu operators have suspended services as part of a coordinated push to compel the government to reduce fuel prices. In some regions, the strike has been accompanied by violent protests, with motorists barricading major roads using bonfires.

Despite the disruption in public transport, tuk-tuk and boda-boda operators in Garissa continued normal operations, while Kismayo Road remained open with traffic flowing uninterrupted.

Meanwhile, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assured Kenyans that the government is actively working to resolve the crisis.

Speaking in Kisumu village in Wajir during the launch of the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy programme, Wandayi called for calm, saying the national government is fully engaged in finding a lasting solution.

“I want to assure Kenyans that the National Government under the leadership of President William Ruto is serious about finding a solution to the matter,” Wandayi said.

He added that together with Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, they will meet matatu sector leaders to discuss their grievances and chart a way forward.

“We will listen to the leaders from the matatu sector, hear their grievances, and then discuss and chart the way forward on this matter. That is the only way that we will be able to tackle this challenge that we are currently facing as a country,” he said.

The nationwide strike continues to disrupt transport networks in several parts of the country as talks between the government and operators take shape.