Public transport across Kenya remained heavily disrupted on May 19 as the nationwide matatu strike entered its second day, with operators continuing their protest against sharp fuel price increases.
Matatus, buses, boda bodas and other transport operators largely stayed off the roads in major towns, including Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and forcing many to walk long distances or seek costly alternatives.
The industrial action follows failed talks between stakeholders and government representatives aimed at resolving grievances over rising operational costs linked to fuel prices.
Matatu Owners Association (MOA) President Albert Karagacha confirmed that the strike would continue after overnight negotiations collapsed.
“We have not agreed on anything. The government, through the Ministry of Energy, can look for the Sh45 we are losing. We are already servicing loans and still cannot pay for some services. The matatu strike will continue until we get a solution,” he said.
In a separate statement, Karagacha added that operators were incurring heavy losses.
“Today, we have incurred losses of over Sh500 million, and we are willing to continue the strike until fuel prices are reduced,” he said.
The action, backed by the broader Transport Sector Alliance, has also seen calls for fare adjustments of up to 50 per cent to cushion operators against rising costs. Leaders urged members to keep vehicles parked peacefully while condemning any incidents of violence.
Commuters bore the brunt of the disruption, with reports of long walks to workplaces, steep boda boda fares, cancelled school activities in some areas, and delayed business operations.
In Nairobi, major roads including Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, Jogoo Road, Waiyaki Way, Juja Road and Ngong Road recorded minimal public transport movement as the strike persisted into its second day, with stakeholders indicating that further negotiations may be necessary as fuel prices remain elevated following the latest EPRA review.
