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It’s over! Matatu stakeholders end strike after talks with Ruto
22nd May, 2026 11:07 AM
Matatu operators have officially called off the nationwide transport sector strike over fuel prices, which had been scheduled to resume on Monday, May 25, 2026, following talks with President William Ruto regarding their concerns.
The announcement was made during a press briefing on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Mombasa State House.
National Chairman of the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) Albert Karakacha said the fresh intervention, coupled with continued engagement between the government and transport stakeholders, had persuaded operators to abandon plans for further industrial action.
“We have called off the strike. We had suspended the strike, but we have called it off. We will not have a strike next week; we are going to work,” Karakacha said.
In addition, Karakacha thanked the government for the measures it has taken to stabilise fuel prices and pledged the sector’s support in efforts aimed at protecting livelihoods and sustaining economic activity.
He also singled out Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for his role in mediating between transport operators and the government during the crisis, saying the engagement helped prevent further disruption in the capital.
“We know that the county of Nairobi lost a lot of money, and we agreed with him that we have to work together to make sure that everything is going to work. So, we want to thank the government, we want to thank the president. They have sorted out a lot of our issues which have been pending for long,” he said.
On the other hand, Federation of Public Transport Sector chair Edwin Mukabana directed investors, drivers, and conductors to return vehicles to the roads.
“I am announcing to all our members, especially our investors, drivers and conductors, that following our deliberations with His Excellency, the strike we had suspended has now been fully called off. We expect this to take immediate effect, and everyone should return their vehicles to the road,” he said.
Fuel price adjustment
The development followed Ruto’s announcement of a further Ksh10 reduction in diesel prices for the June-July pricing cycle to ease concerns over pump prices. After the price revision, diesel in Nairobi will sell at Ksh222.86 per litre, kerosene at Ksh191.38, and super petrol at Ksh214.25, effective June 15.
“I have directed that in the pricing cycle, next pricing cycle, we are going to further reduce the price of diesel by a further Ksh10 for the June-July cycle to help stabilise pump prices and provide additional relief to consumer,” Ruto said.
