Transport Operators Paralyze Operations Over Record Fuel Price Hike - May 2026

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. 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. 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, which began early on May 18, 2026, saw a drastic reduction in operating matatus, leaving thousands of commuters stranded on the Thika Superhighway. At the same time, the demonstrations led to widespread destruction and looting, paralyzing transport operations across the country with at least two people killed in Kiambu and Nakuru as protests turned deadly.