Several towns and cities in Kenya saw transport problems after a strike organized by the operators of public means of transportation following the fuel price hike that was announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Kenya PSV strike, The PSV strikes included both matatus and boda boda operators, leaving thousands of Kenyans without transport options and having to move on foot in a situation commonly referred to as “footsubishi”.
The strike is said to be caused by high fuel prices, thus making it unsustainable for the transport business.
Locations Affected by the Transport Strike
The transport strike affected various parts of the country due to the grounding of motor vehicles and the blocking of transport routes by demonstrators.
Nairobi
There were significant transport disruptions in Nairobi, as usual, busy highways such as Waiyaki Way and Thika Road were less crowded than usual.
A lot of people had to walk to their workplaces due to the failure of matatus to run normally.
Mombasa
Mombasa was similarly affected by the strike, with participation by matatu operators, taxi operators, and boda boda operators along the coastal region.
Many transport terminals were deserted throughout the morning period.
Kitengela
Demonstrations in Kitengela resulted in blocked roads and abandoned bus stops, affecting accessibility.
Machakos
Machakos Bus stops remained largely deserted due to the suspension of PSV operations in the protest against fuel hikes.
Meru
Meru faced demonstrations involving barricading of roads and demonstrations by motorists and boda boda operators.
Murang’a and Western Kenya
Murang’a and some parts of western Kenya experienced transport disruptions due to demonstrations.
Why Transport Operators Are Protesting
This strike comes after EPRA’s last review of fuel prices, where fuel prices were increased across the country.
According to the revised pricing:
- Gasoline went up by KSh16.65 per liter
- Diesel rose by KSh46.29 per liter
PSVs claim that these increases make it difficult to offer reasonable and competitive fares to passengers at a profit.
What Protesters Want
Passengers Service Vehicles (PSV) operators and transport sector associations have been calling on the Government to:
- Reverse the fuel prices revision
- Lower the diesel cost to approximately KSh152 per liter
- Restructure the National Oil Corporation of Kenya
- Revive the Changamwe Oil Refinery
- Dissolve the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority
Government Negotiations Fail to End Strike
Negotiations in a crisis meeting between transport and energy authorities are said to have failed to convince transport sector representatives to cease protesting.
As such, the strike was to continue in various parts of the nation, causing additional problems for workers and traders trying to commute.
Conclusion
Kenya’s national strike against PSVs has demonstrated the growing discontent over rising fuel prices and costs of living among common citizens.
Given the widespread disruption in transport services across various cities, there is pressure for the Government to find a way out of the situation through negotiation.
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