Kenya is set for a major disruption from Monday after transport stakeholders confirmed a complete shutdown of operations in protest against rising fuel prices.
In a joint statement released Sunday, the Transport Sector Alliance announced that no vehicle will operate from midnight, marking the start of a nationwide strike expected to paralyse movement across cities and towns.
The decision follows a high-level consultative meeting bringing together players from across the transport sector.
The alliance said all subsectors—including public service vehicles, cargo transporters, boda boda operators, ride-hailing services, school transport, and private motorists—had agreed to take part in the action.
“This action is not only for transport operators, but for every Kenyan citizen,” the statement said. “The ordinary mwananchi is the ultimate victim of high fuel prices, paying more for transport, food, electricity, and essential commodities.”
The alliance described the strike as one of the largest coordinated industrial actions in Kenya’s history, citing the level of unity among stakeholders. It estimated near-total compliance, saying participation across the sector could reach 99 percent.
Among the organisations backing the shutdown are the Federation of Public Transport Sector, Matatu Owners Association, Motorist Association of Kenya, Truckers Association of Kenya, Digital Taxi Association, and several other industry groups.
The inclusion of private motorists is expected to widen the impact, especially in urban areas.
The statement also called on other Kenyans to join the demonstrations, framing the protest as a broader response to the rising cost of living. Farmers, traders, and workers have been urged to demonstrate within their local areas.
“Silence at this moment amounts to acceptance of unaffordable fuel prices, costly food, expensive fares, and a shrinking economy,” the alliance said.
At the centre of the strike are a series of demands directed at the government. Key among them is the immediate reversal of the fuel price increase announced on May 14.
The alliance is also pushing for the reduction of petrol and diesel prices to about KSh 152 per litre, with a long-term target of between KSh 140 and KSh 150.
Other demands include the removal of the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, action against officials linked to the importation of substandard fuel, and an end to persistent fuel shortages.
The group is also calling for structural changes in the sector, including the disbandment of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the creation of an independent regulator.
Stakeholders further criticised the current government-to-government fuel importation system, calling for a return to a competitive open-market model.
They also want fuel price reviews to be conducted every three months in the presence of sector representatives.
The alliance questioned why Kenya continues to record some of the highest fuel prices in the region.
“Kenya should not continue paying some of the highest fuel prices in the region while countries such as Ethiopia, despite being landlocked, maintain significantly lower pump prices,” the statement said.
As the strike takes effect, concerns are growing over its impact on transport, supply chains, and daily economic activity. Commuters, businesses, and essential services are expected to feel immediate effects if the shutdown holds.
Organisers, however, maintain the action will remain peaceful.
“This is a peaceful, constitutional action intended to compel the Government to listen to the voice of transporters and ordinary citizens,” the alliance said.