Commuters across Kenya woke on Monday to empty roads and long walks to work, as a nationwide matatu strike brought much of the country’s transport system to a standstill.
In Nairobi and several other major towns, the usual hum of minibuses was replaced by quiet streets and clusters of stranded passengers. Many had little choice but to walk.
The Kenya Red Cross said the disruption was widespread, affecting Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Kisumu, Embu, Murang’a and Makueni. Key routes, including Thika Road, Kitengela, Rongai, Machakos Junction and North Airport Road, were among the hardest hit.
“Commuters are experiencing significant delays, with many forced to walk long distances due to lack of transport,” the organisation said in an update.
The strike follows a joint announcement by the Transport Sector Alliance, which on Sunday declared a shutdown of operations. The group is protesting against a sharp rise in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
In its latest review, EPRA increased the price of super petrol by Sh16.65 per litre and diesel by Sh46.29. Kerosene prices remained unchanged. In Nairobi, a litre of petrol now sells at Sh214.25, while diesel has climbed to Sh242.92.
Operators say the increases have pushed them to the edge.
“We cannot continue operating at a loss,” said a matatu driver in Kitengela, who declined to be named for fear of reprisals. “Fuel is too expensive, and passengers are already struggling. There is no balance.”
The Truckers Association of Kenya has also threatened to join the protest, raising fears of further disruption to supply chains if the standoff continues.
For businesses, the impact was immediate. Workers arrived late, if at all. Some shops remained closed. School administrators warned that attendance could suffer if the strike drags on.
“We expect challenges with learners reporting to school,” said one head teacher in Nairobi. “Transport is a major concern for both students and staff.”
Government officials have yet to announce any immediate intervention, though pressure is mounting for a resolution. For now, the burden is falling on ordinary Kenyans, many of whom are already grappling with a rising cost of living.
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