The nationwide matatu strike has been suspended for one week ahead of talks with the government over rising fuel prices.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said the suspension would pave the way for high-level consultations between the government and transport operators.
“There was need for negotiations with the stakeholders at a high level and they will take place within the next one week,” Murkomen said, adding, “The strike to be suspended for one week to provide an avenue for consultations.”
The strike had disrupted transport services for days, leaving many commuters stranded.
Federation of Public Transport Sector CEO Kushian Muchiri welcomed the move but said earlier intervention could have prevented the disruption.
“As much as we would have been happy, we are also glad that at least negotiations have started in earnest. Had we been taken seriously on Friday we would not be here. On behalf of the transport sector, mine is to urge all our members to resume operations immediately so that we can assist our customers,” Muchiri said.
Also present was Tourist Guide Association CEO Kennedy Kaunda, who had gone viral after openly confronting Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi during Monday’s press briefing.
Kaunda said the decision to suspend the strike was reached jointly to allow room for dialogue.
"With all due respect, we have agreed here together with CS Wandayi, CS Murkomen and our able governor that the strike has been suspended. Since we have a nation to build and a government to learn, Kenya is ours and we should build it. As for now the nation should run,” he said.
Albert Karakacha: We are going to work very closely with the government, and we have agreed to form a committee which is going to look into other issues related to the transport sector, mostly on PSVs. pic.twitter.com/X6vayJphhn
— KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) May 19, 2026
The suspension follows a nationwide protest that began on Monday, May 18, disrupting transport and intensifying pressure on the government to address rising fuel prices.
Protesters lit bonfires in Witeithie, Kiambu Road, Ruiru, Kitengela and other areas, causing major transport disruptions. Many commuters were forced to walk long distances or pay higher fares for motorbikes and available vehicles.
According to police reports, four people were killed, 30 were injured and several others arrested.
Following the protests, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) introduced revised fuel prices covering May 19 to June 14, 2026.
Diesel prices were reduced by Sh10.06 per litre, while kerosene increased by Sh38.60 per litre. Petrol prices remained unchanged.
In a statement on X, EPRA said: “In Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene now retail at Sh214.25, Sh232.86 and Sh191.38 effective midnight for the next 30 days.”
Kenyans on social media reacted to the suspension of the strike.
On X, Esubu Media wrote, “Suspending the strike is simply letting out steam so the country does not burn itself down. You do not destroy your own house just to evict a bad tenant.” Another user, George, said: “I hope they won’t charge high prices for fare.”