Matatu Strike — Live Updates from Nairobi and Surrounding Towns

Kenya, May 18, 2026 - 13:10 hrs - FUEL PRICE strike suspended for one week after consultation meeting between State and transport stakeholders; follow up meeting with PSV owners to be held for further negotiations. Matatu Operators have been summoned for a meeting with the Deputy President at Harambee House.

11:30 AM Tuesday: Roads calmer but transport system still heavily strained

A major shift from Monday is now visible across Nairobi roads:

• fewer barricades
• reduced clashes
• lighter highway traffic

But this is not normal recovery. The roads are clearer mainly because:

• many matatus are still off the roads
• commuters have adjusted travel plans
• some people stayed home entirely

Sections of:

• Thika Superhighway
• Waiyaki Way
• Mombasa Road
• Jogoo Road remain unusually light for a weekday morning.

11:20 AM — Train stations overwhelmed as commuters abandon matatus . A new development this morning is the surge in commuter rail usage. Large crowds have been reported at Nairobi commuter train stations as stranded passengers turn to trains after PSV shortages continued into day two. This is becoming one of the clearest indicators that commuters are adapting rather than waiting for the strike to end quickly.

11:15 AM — Operators reject diesel reduction announced overnight . Transport operators are still rejecting the government’s overnight emergency diesel reduction.

EPRA reduced diesel prices by about KSh10.06 per litre overnight, but operators say the reduction is too small compared to the recent sharp increases. This is now the core reason the strike remains active into Tuesday.

11:05 AM — Major PSV operators still largely absent. Several major PSV operators remain either partially suspended or operating minimally this morning, worsening commuter shortages especially on:

• Kiambu routes
• Ruiru routes
• Kasarani corridor
• Embakasi routes

10:55 AM — Businesses reopening more steadily than Monday. Nairobi CBD is operating more normally compared to Monday’s paralysis.

Areas including:

• River Road
• Tom Mboya Street
• Ronald Ngala
• OTC have more activity today, though traders still report:

• delayed customer traffic
• reduced movement
• slower deliveries

The city is functioning, but below normal economic pace.

10:50 AM — Police remain heavily deployed despite calmer roads

Security presence remains high around:

• Roysambu
• Githurai
• CBD access roads
• Outer Ring Road
• Thika Road junctions after Monday’s violent protests left four dead and hundreds arrested.

Authorities appear focused on preventing:

• fresh barricades
• renewed demonstrations
• disruption of commuter movement

10:25 AM — Government talks collapse without breakthrough, one of the biggest confirmed developments this morning is that Monday night talks between:

• matatu operators
• Energy Ministry officials
• Transport Ministry officials ended without agreement. Operators rejected a government proposal to reduce diesel prices by about KSh10, insisting it was insufficient.

Transport sector leaders confirmed the strike would continue.

10:20 AM — Major PSV companies still off the roads . Several major operators remain suspended this morning including:

• Super Metro
• Metro Trans
• Forward Travellers
• Countrylink
• Latema

This has continued worsening commuter shortages across Nairobi and Kiambu routes.

10:15 AM — Thika Road clearer than normal but transport still limited. Unlike Monday’s barricades and burning tyres, Thika Road this morning is largely open but unusually empty in several sections due to reduced PSV movement.

Reports from:

• Roysambu
• Githurai
• Ruiru
• Kahawa West show commuters still stranded or walking long distances because very few matatus are operating.

10:05 AM — Commuters continue trekking into Nairobi CBD , Heavy foot traffic continues being reported along:

• Thika Road
• Waiyaki Way
• Jogoo Road
• Ngong Road access points as many commuters abandon bus stages after waiting unsuccessfully for matatus.

10:00 AM — Elevated fares still reported on operating routes, Where matatus are operating, commuters continue reporting:

• sharply increased fares
• overcrowding
• inconsistent pricing

especially on routes serving:

• Embakasi
• Rongai
• Kasarani
• Kikuyu
• Kitengela

9:50 AM — Police maintain heavy deployment across Nairobi corridors, security deployment remains high across:

• Thika Superhighway
• Outer Ring Road
• Waiyaki Way
• CBD access roads
• Githurai
• Roysambu after Monday’s violent protests left several people dead and dozens injured.

9:40 AM — Schools and businesses operating cautiously, some schools remain suspended or are operating with low attendance due to transport uncertainty. Businesses inside Nairobi CBD are opening more steadily than Monday, but traders continue reporting:

• delayed staff arrival
• low customer traffic
• reduced activity particularly around:

• River Road
• OTC
• Tom Mboya Street

9:30 AM — No major road barricades reported this morning

A major difference from Monday there are currently no widespread reports of:

• burning tyres
• major highway shutdowns
• large-scale barricades

Police presence overnight and early this morning appears to have prevented fresh large-scale road blockades from forming.

9:15 AM — Strike shifts from shock phase into pressure phase, The pattern today is different from Monday.

Monday was:

• chaos
• sudden paralysis
• violent disruption

Tuesday is becoming:

• economic pressure
• reduced transport capacity
• commuter exhaustion
• negotiation deadlock

The roads are calmer, but the transport system is still operating far below normal capacity.

Tuesday 8:49 AM - Motorists forced to turn back along Thika Superhighway on day two of the matatu strike over rising fuel prices on May 19, 2026. Mo matatus ferrying passengers on the Thika road highway. Motorists woke up early in the morning to remove debris early in the morning so as to pass. Motorists still struggling usign the road due to debris . No visible protest at the moment.

Tuesday 8:48 AM — Day Two of Kenya’s Matatu Strike .The second day of the nationwide matatu strike has begun with renewed uncertainty across Nairobi and several major towns after Monday’s talks between government officials and transport operators failed to produce a breakthrough.

8:45 AM — Reduced PSV operations reported again across Nairobi

Early morning reports indicate:

• matatu operations remain reduced on several routes
• commuter queues are building again
• some operators are still charging elevated fares

The impact appears less severe than Monday morning’s near-total paralysis, but transport disruption remains visible across:

• Thika Road corridor
• Kiambu Road
• Embakasi routes
• Rongai routes
• sections of Ngong Road

8:40 AM — No agreement reached after Monday night talks

One of the biggest overnight developments is confirmation that Monday’s meeting between:

• transport operators
• Treasury officials
• energy and transport ministries ended without a major agreement on fuel prices.

Matatu operators reportedly rejected government proposals, insisting the fuel reductions discussed were too small. Transport leaders are still demanding:

• significant fuel price cuts
• review of taxes and levies
• broader intervention on pump prices

8:35 AM — Strike officially continues into second day

Matatu owners and transport sector representatives confirmed overnight that the strike would continue on Tuesday after consultations failed to resolve the standoff. MOA chairman Albert Karakacha reportedly warned: “The strike is still on.”

8:30 AM Tuesday — Central Police Station OCS arrested over release of protest suspects

One of the biggest developments this morning is the arrest of Central Police Station OCS Chief Inspector Dishen Angoya after authorities accused him of unlawfully releasing dozens of suspects arrested during Monday’s fuel protests.

According to police reports now circulating publicly:

• 64 suspects had allegedly been released from custody
• the suspects had been arrested during Monday’s demonstrations
• the detainees were linked to public order offences tied to the fuel protests

Reports indicate the OCS was arrested around midnight by senior police commanders and later detained at Lang’ata Police Station pending investigations.

Police are investigating him for:

• abuse of office
• allegedly releasing suspects “without lawful authority”
• allegedly improperly conferring benefit to detainees

8:30 AM — Police deployment remains heavy this morning. Security presence remains high across Nairobi following Monday’s violent protests that left:

• four people dead
• more than 30 injured
• hundreds arrested according to government and international reporting.

Anti-riot police remain visible around:

• Thika Superhighway
• Roysambu
• Githurai
• CBD access roads
• sections of Outer Ring Road

Authorities appear focused on preventing renewed barricades and morning clashes.

8:25 AM — Businesses and schools monitoring situation cautiously, Some businesses and schools are reportedly taking a wait-and-see approach this morning after Monday’s disruption severely affected:

• worker movement
• school attendance
• deliveries
• customer traffic

Several commuters are again opting to walk, use boda bodas or rely on private vehicles as uncertainty over PSV availability continues.

1818 hrs Kipchumba Murkomen, says the deadly fuel protests on Monday across the country were driven by politicians seeking to weaponize public anger over a sharp rise in fuel prices.

1735 hrs — Evening traffic building across Nairobi as commuters head home. Nairobi is now experiencing heavy evening congestion across major highways as thousands of commuters travel home following the day-long transport disruption.

Traffic remains slow along:

• Thika Superhighway
• Waiyaki Way
• Mombasa Road
• Outer Ring Road
• Kiambu Road
• Jogoo Road although movement is significantly better than the morning paralysis.

1732 hrs - Most road barricades cleared by police . Most earlier barricades, burning tyres and debris placed along major roads have now been removed following sustained police operations throughout the day. Police presence nevertheless remains heavy around:

• Githurai
• Roysambu
• Ruiru Bypass
• Kangemi
• CBD access roads

1728 hrs - Public transport largely restored but fares remain elevated . Most matatus and PSV operators are now back on the roads across Nairobi and neighbouring counties.

1700 hrs — No final agreement yet after expected government talks

As of 5PM, there is still no confirmed public breakthrough or signed agreement between the government and transport sector leaders following the expected talks over fuel prices and the nationwide strike. Operators are still demanding:

• fuel tax reductions
• review of EPRA pricing
• relief measures for the transport sector

The delay suggests discussions are still ongoing or unresolved.

16:55 hrs — Eldoret highway reopened after police intervention police reportedly cleared barricades along Uganda Road in Eldoret after rowdy youths blocked sections of the highway earlier in the afternoon. Transport movement in Eldoret has gradually resumed, though security deployment remains high.

16:50 hrs — No official breakthrough announced after expected talks

As of 16:00 hrs, no formal agreement or joint statement has yet been released following the anticipated government meeting with matatu operators and transport sector representatives.

Transport operators are still waiting for concrete proposals around:

• fuel relief measures
• tax adjustments
• transport sector support

The absence of an immediate breakthrough suggests negotiations remain sensitive and unresolved.

16:45 hrs — Nairobi transport movement largely restored

Compared to the morning paralysis, transport movement across Nairobi has improved significantly by late afternoon.

More matatus are now operating on:

• Thika Road routes
• Embakasi routes
• Rongai routes
• Ngong Road
• Waiyaki Way

However:

• fares remain elevated
• some routes still have shortages
• commuters continue complaining about high costs

The strike appears to be weakening operationally, though pressure on government remains high.

16:40 hrs — Police maintain heavy deployment despite calmer streets

Police officers remain heavily deployed across:

• Thika Superhighway
• Roysambu
• Githurai
• Ruiru Bypass
• Nairobi CBD access roads although most earlier barricades and bonfires have now been cleared.

16:30 hrs — Economic losses becoming clearer with businesses, traders and transport operators are now beginning to assess the economic impact of the day-long disruption.

Affected sectors include:

• wholesale trade
• retail businesses
• logistics
• cargo transport
• schools
• construction

16:20 hrs - Government shifts toward damage control messaging. Treasury CS John Mbadi continued defending the government’s fuel pricing position while signalling willingness to explore possible relief mechanisms.

16:06 hrs - The Matatu Owners Association says the strike is not just for today, but will continue until fuel prices are reduced.

15:12 hrs — Four deaths now reported amid escalating protests regional reports now indicate at least four people have reportedly died during fuel price protests linked to the nationwide transport strike as clashes intensified in several parts of the country. The deaths were reported as demonstrations spread beyond Nairobi into multiple counties.

15:10 hrs — Government under intense pressure ahead of planned talks. Pressure is rapidly mounting on the government ahead of the expected 4PM meeting between Treasury CS John Mbadi and transport sector representatives.

The planned talks are now viewed as critical after nationwide disruption affected:

• transport
• schools
• businesses
• cargo movement
• commuter safety throughout Monday

15:05 hrs — Police retain heavy deployment despite reduced clashes.

Although major running battles have reduced compared to the morning hours, anti-riot police remain heavily deployed

15:00 hrs — Nairobi transport partially stabilising. More matatus and PSV operators are now back on the roads, easing commuter pressure in Nairobi and surrounding towns.

14:55 hrs — Cost-of-living anger overtaking fuel strike narrative .

The protests are increasingly shifting from a transport strike into economic hardship. Political leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, David Maraga and Kivutha Kibwana have publicly criticised the government’s fuel pricing model as frustration continues spreading nationally.

14:45 hrs — Nairobi CBD slowly regaining normal activity. Movement inside Nairobi CBD has improved significantly compared to the morning shutdown, although business activity remains below normal Monday levels.

More workers have now arrived in town, and several shops that opened late are operating again, particularly around:

• River Road
• Tom Mboya Street
• Moi Avenue
• Ronald Ngala area

Still, traders continue reporting reduced customer traffic and losses from the disrupted morning business hours.

14:40 hrs — Police retain heavy deployment despite reduced protests

Security officers remain heavily deployed across Nairobi and neighbouring counties even as protest intensity reduces.

Police patrols are still visible around:

• Thika Superhighway
• Roysambu
• Githurai
• Kasarani
• Nairobi CBD access roads

Authorities appear focused on preventing fresh barricades and afternoon flare-ups.

14:35 hrs — Treasury CS Mbadi to meet matatu operators at 4PM The first major sign of possible negotiations has now emerged after reports confirmed Treasury CS John Mbadi is expected to chair a high-level meeting with matatu operators and transport sector leaders at 4PM over the ongoing fuel crisis and nationwide strike. Transport sector officials say a final directive could be issued afterward.

14:30 hrs — Arrests continue in Nairobi CBD. Police are continuing arrests in parts of Nairobi CBD as authorities move to contain fuel price protests and prevent fresh disruption in the city centre. Security patrols remain visible around:

• Moi Avenue
• Kenya National Archives area
• River Road
• Tom Mboya Street

Anti-riot officers are still deployed in strategic sections of the CBD.

14:22 hrs — Nairobi transport slowly stabilising . More PSV operators are now back on the roads compared to the morning shutdown, easing pressure at:

• Kencom
• Railways
• Tea Room
• Archives

However, commuters continue reporting:

• inflated fares
• overcrowding
• inconsistent transport availability especially on satellite town routes.

14:18 hrs — Protest pressure spreading nationally. Fresh protest activity and transport disruption continue being reported in:

• Kitengela
• Kisii
• Kikuyu
• Kitui
• Eldoret
• Garissa
• Kawangware with some areas still experiencing intermittent road barricades and police deployment.

14 :25 hrs — Businesses counting losses after disrupted Monday .Business owners across Nairobi CBD continue reporting reduced sales and disrupted operations after transport paralysis affected worker movement and customer traffic throughout the morning. Wholesalers, retail traders and logistics businesses say the strike has already caused significant operational losses.

14: 20 hrs - National disruption continues outside Nairobi, transport disruption is still being reported in:

• Kisumu
• Mombasa
• Machakos
• Kiambu
• Murang’a
• Embu
• Kajiado with reduced PSV movement and intermittent protests continuing in some towns.

14:17 hrs - North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood is chased away by protesters during the ongoing Matatu Strike after attempting to address the crowd by telling them the Fuel issue is an international crisis.

13:55 hrs — Kitengela protests turn chaotic . Fresh chaos has been reported in Kitengela along the Namanga Highway where suspected goons have reportedly begun harassing motorists and commuters amid the ongoing fuel strike protests. Some businesses in the area have started shutting down as tensions rise.

13:50 hrs — Ruiru businesses remain partially closed . Sections of Ruiru continue operating below normal levels after earlier road barricades and clashes disrupted movement throughout the morning. Some streets remain less crowded while traders report reduced customer activity due to transport uncertainty.

13:45 hrs — Police continue dispersing protesters in Githurai. Anti-riot police remain deployed in Githurai where officers continue clearing protesters and reopening blocked roads. Security presence remains heavy across:

• Githurai
• Roysambu
• Ruiru Bypass
• Kasarani corridor

Authorities are attempting to prevent fresh barricades and bonfires from re-emerging.

13:41 hrs — More commuters now reaching Nairobi CBD

Movement into Nairobi CBD has improved compared to the morning hours as more matatus cautiously resume operations on selected routes.

However:

• fares remain sharply elevated
• overcrowding persists
• long queues still visible at some stages

Many commuters continue complaining that transport remains unaffordable despite gradual recovery.

13:40 hrs — Thika Road slowly reopening after morning clashes

Traffic movement along sections of Thika Superhighway has improved compared to the morning peak after police cleared several barricades and dispersed protesters in Roysambu, Githurai and Kahawa areas. However, congestion and commuter delays remain significant.

13:35 hrs — Transport disruption now affecting businesses beyond Nairobi

The effects of the strike are spreading into logistics, retail and construction sectors as reduced truck movement disrupts deliveries and worker movement across the country. Construction sites, cargo transport and wholesale businesses are among sectors now reporting operational delays.

13:30 hrs — Schools maintain caution despite easing protests

Many schools that suspended classes in the morning have not resumed physical learning, with some institutions continuing online lessons or asking learners to remain at home until transport and security conditions stabilise further.

13:25 hrs — Police continue warning against unlawful protests

The National Police Service continues maintaining heavy deployment across Nairobi and neighbouring counties, warning that unlawful road barricades and disruptive conduct will be dealt with firmly.

Security patrols remain visible around:

• Thika Road corridor
• Waiyaki Way
• Nairobi CBD access roads
• Githurai and Roysambu sections

13:21 hrs : Sen Hassan Omar talking assets that the country is receivng fuel at a higher cost that before as UDA tries to quell the situation in the country as mass protests were witnessed

13:20 hrs — Fuel crisis increasingly becoming national political issue. Business groups, opposition figures and transport associations continue criticising the government’s handling of fuel pricing after the latest EPRA review pushed diesel and petrol prices to record highs.

13:14 hrs - Cost of living narrative now dominating public debate

The strike is increasingly evolving beyond transport into a broader national conversation about:

• fuel taxes
• inflation
• food prices
• electricity costs
• household economic pressure

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has now publicly called for urgent fuel tax reforms as criticism of the government’s fuel pricing model intensifies.

13 : 11hrs - Kenya's Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka calls for energy minister to resign

13: 05 hrs - Nairobi CBD slowly regaining activity. Business activity in Nairobi CBD is gradually improving as more workers arrive late into the afternoon.

Still, traders in:

• River Road
• OTC
• Tom Mboya Street
• Ronald Ngala area

say customer traffic remains significantly below normal Monday levels.

13:02 hrs - Reports say CSs Mbadi, Wandayi and Chirchir are expected to meet matatu operators at 4pm, though the meeting has not yet been independently confirmed.

12:50 hrs — Running battles continue on Ruiru Bypass

Fresh clashes between protesters and anti-riot police have continued along sections of the Ruiru Bypass near Kihunguro, where youths barricaded roads using stones and burning tyres. Police officers reportedly fired shots in the air and used tear gas to disperse crowds as tensions escalated.

12:45 hrs — Thika Road remains the main protest hotspot

Thika Superhighway continues to experience the heaviest disruption linked to the nationwide fuel protests. Police and protesters clashed again in sections near Roysambu and Githurai as officers attempted to clear blocked lanes and restore traffic flow.

12:40hrs - Arrests are ongoing in Nairobi CBD about the ongoing Fuel prices protests.

12:35 hrs — Police maintain heavy deployment across protest hotspots

Police presence remains high across Nairobi and several towns as authorities continue monitoring the fuel strike protests and preventing further road blockades.

Anti-riot officers remain deployed along:

• Thika Superhighway
• Roysambu
• Githurai
• Kasarani
• Nairobi CBD access roads . Security patrols have also been increased around transport termini and business districts.

12:30 hrs — Protest hotspots remain concentrated around Nairobi transport corridors

The main protest activity continues around:

• Thika Road corridor
• Githurai
• Roysambu
• Witeithie
• Sections of Ruiru
• Nairobi CBD access points

Reports indicate smaller isolated gatherings are also emerging in parts of Kiambu, Nakuru and Kisumu as transport disruption spreads nationally.

12:25 hrs — No formal negotiations announced yet

As of early afternoon, there is no confirmed formal negotiation meeting publicly announced between the government and transport sector alliance leaders. However, pressure is mounting on government officials after nationwide disruption affected transport, schools, businesses and logistics for most of Monday morning.

12:22 hrs — Government under pressure over fuel pricing

Attention is increasingly shifting toward possible government intervention after criticism intensified over the latest EPRA fuel review.

Treasury and energy officials are now facing growing calls for:

1. fuel tax reductions
2. EPRA reforms
3. review of the government-to-government fuel import system
4. emergency intervention on pump prices

Opposition leaders and business groups have also started publicly criticising the pricing structure

12:20 hrs — Nairobi CBD operating below normal capacity

Business activity in Nairobi CBD remains significantly lower than a normal Monday afternoon as the matatu strike continues disrupting worker movement and customer traffic across the city.

12:18 hrs — River Road and Tom Mboya still recording low foot traffic