Kenya's transport sector commenced a nationwide shutdown from midnight after 14 industry groups announced no vehicles would operate until the government reverses record-high fuel price increases.

• A litre of super petrol now costs Sh214.25 and diesel Sh242.92 in Nairobi.
• The Transport Sector Alliance, comprising various transport operators and private motorists, is leading the protest.
• Operators are demanding an immediate reversal of the May fuel increase and the resignation of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

Leaders from Kenya Kwanza and ODM have strongly defended the government amidst criticism from the opposition regarding the high cost of fuel.

• The politicians blamed the opposition for politicizing the fuel price issue.
• Key figures from Kenya Kwanza and ODM made these statements at a fundraising event in Kilifi County.
• They asserted that the government's actions are being misrepresented for political gains.

Major public transport operators across Kenya suspended services on Monday, May 18, in a nationwide protest against record fuel prices, causing widespread commuter disruption and fears of economic paralysis.

• Major PSV firms like Super Metro and Metro Trans withdrew their fleets.
• The strike, backed by the Transport Sector Alliance, demands an immediate reversal of fuel price increases and the disbandment of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
• Fuel prices for petrol and diesel saw sharp increases, with diesel rising by Sh46.29 per litre to reach approximately Sh242.92 in Nairobi.

A nationwide public transport strike has caused widespread transportation chaos, leaving thousands of commuters stranded on the Thika Superhighway. The strike, which began early on May 18, 2026, saw a drastic reduction in operating matatus.

• Available matatus and boda boda operators were charging exorbitant fares, with trips costing up to four times the normal price (e.g., Sh200 for a distance normally Sh50).
• Commuters faced significant difficulties reaching work, with some like Duncan Gitonga and Anne Mumbi reporting hours of waiting.
• Youths expressed their discontent by blocking roads and lighting bonfires in Githurai, chanting “One Term.”

Chaos erupted in Nairobi's CBD on Monday as police clashed with protestors and a nationwide transport strike over fuel prices paralysed the capital.

• The strike, a withdrawal of services by matatu operators, boda boda associations, and other transport groups, was prompted by recent EPRA fuel price hikes, with super petrol now retailing at Sh214 and diesel at Sh242.
• Nairobi CBD businesses remained shut and streets deserted due to fears of unrest, whilst thousands of commuters were left stranded.
• Police deployed heavily, using teargas and making arrests to disperse protestors gathering near the Kenya National Archives and Moi Avenue.

At least two people were killed in Kiambu and Nakuru as protests over sharp fuel price hikes turned deadly. The demonstrations led to widespread destruction and looting, paralyzing transport operations across the country.

• Two people confirmed dead during protests in Kiambu and Nakuru.
• Protesters clashed with police, barricading roads and causing property damage.
• The nationwide matatu strike, called by operators, contributed to the paralysis of transport services.