Yoth barricade a section of the Roysambu roundabout ahead of the planned fuel protests on May 18, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI

Transport was disrupted in Nairobi and several other parts of the country after youths barricaded major roads and turned back private vehicles during protests linked to rising fuel prices.

The strike, which began early in the morning, left many commuters stranded.

The youth blocked key highways and access roads using stones, tyres and makeshift barriers.

In several estates within Nairobi, motorists were forced to abandon their journeys or seek alternative routes after groups of youths stopped private vehicles from accessing affected areas.

The strike comes amid growing public frustration over the high cost of living, with fuel prices emerging as a major concern for many households and businesses.

Motorists have accused the government of failing to cushion Kenyans from rising transport and commodity costs.

Yoth barricade a section of the Roysambu roundabout ahead of the planned fuel protests on May 18, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI

Motorists forced to turn at Roysambu roundabout following the planned fuel protests on May 18, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI
Few residents stranded along Kamiti road, Nairobi on May 18, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI
Parked matatus along Kamiti road, Nairobi on May 16, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI