Kenya's Transport Sector Splits as Strike Plans Divide Operators

2026-02-01 region

Nairobi, 1 February 2026
Transport operators across Kenya remain divided over strike action planned for Monday, despite some groups suspending protests following weekend talks with police. While the Federation of Public Transport Sector called off the strike after consultations, other matatu associations vow to continue with weekly Monday strikes until government addresses road safety concerns. The dispute stems from at least nine vehicles being torched by mobs following road accidents in January, causing millions in losses and exposing what operators describe as weak law enforcement.

Federation Calls Off Strike Amid Ongoing Divisions

The Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) announced over the weekend that it had suspended the nationwide strike initially scheduled for Monday, 2 February 2026, following consultations with boda boda operators and security agencies [3]. Kushian Muchiri, CEO of the federation, stated that “the strike that was scheduled for Monday has been called off after a stakeholders’ consultative meeting with our boda boda counterparts and the police. Nothing good comes out of demonstrations. Dialogue is the way to go” [5]. The suspension paved the way for dialogue between stakeholders including private vehicle owners, freight vehicle operators, coach operators, matatu operators, the National Police Service, and the National Transport and Safety Authority [3].

Economic Impact and Safety Concerns Drive Protests

The strike action stems from escalating vehicle arson incidents that have severely impacted the transport sector’s financial stability. Joseph Kagai revealed that the sector has lost over 10 vehicles due to lawlessness [1], whilst the Motorists Association of Kenya reported that at least nine vehicles, including matatus, buses, trucks, and private cars, have been torched within one month [2]. Paul Thiongo from Forward Travellers highlighted the broader economic impact, noting that “the torching of one car affects over 10 families” [1]. The most recent incident occurred on 31 December 2025, when a 14-seater matatu was burnt at Gitaru along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway [2].

Police Response and Future Dialogue Prospects

Nairobi Region Police Commander George Sedah has welcomed the consultative approach and committed to enacting measures to ensure road safety is upheld [3][5]. During transport stakeholder meetings, Sedah stated: “A disorganised society makes our state look as if it has failed; we cannot operate in a society like that. We should operate like people who like Kenya and very seamless” [3]. He also emphasised that “torched vehicles are not a solution” and called for maintaining “respect among ourselves and working together to end bad habits that lead to accidents on our roads” [5]. The National Transport and Safety Authority and National Police Service have announced plans to pilot a new identification system for boda boda riders in Nairobi, which would issue riders unique identification numbers separate from motorcycle registration plates [2].

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transport strike matatu operators