Some private schools cancel classes over planned matatu strike over fuel prices

A section of private schools postponed classes for Monday following a planned strike by the transport sector players.

The schools have cited the safety of learners as the key reason for cancelling school activities on Monday, and urged parents to ensure their children remain engaged and productive while at home.

"Due to fears of possible transport disruptions arising from information circulating in the media, we do not want to take any risks where the safety of our children is concerned," a message to a parent read.

The players are striking over rising fuel prices.

Transport Alliance umbrella, including matatu operators and members of the Truckers Association of Kenya, called for a nationwide transport strike scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026, in response to recent fuel price increases.

Police indicated that patrols will be enhanced across key areas in the country as a precautionary measure.

The National Police Service spokesman Michael Muchiri issued a statement saying they had assured Kenyans of enhanced security ahead of a planned matatu strike scheduled for Monday, May 18, saying measures are in place to ensure normal operations across the country.

The police said they had noted reports of an industrial action allegedly being organized by a section of matatu operators and public service transport actors.

However, the service maintained that the majority of stakeholders in the transport sector remained committed to continuing with business as usual.

The police noted that the United Transport Association of Kenya had distanced itself from the planned strike and issued a statement affirming its members’ commitment to uninterrupted transport services.

The NPS urged members of the public to remain calm and continue with their daily activities without fear, adding that security had been heightened to prevent any form of disruption.

“Security measures have been enhanced, and any disruptive conduct will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law,” the statement said.

The police further called on Kenyans to cooperate with law enforcement officers and report any suspicious or unlawful activities through the emergency numbers 999 and 911.

Some schools sent messages to parents indicating postponement of the sessions over the strike.

“We would like to inform you that learners will not be reporting to school tomorrow. We have made the decision to have everyone stay at home as a precautionary measure due to the planned demonstrations.

The safety and well-being of our learners and staff remain our top priority, and we hope for your understanding and cooperation during this time.”

“We also encourage all our dear parents and guardians to remain safe. Further communication regarding the resumption of normal learning will be shared in due course,” said a message from one of the schools in the city.

But others went on with their studies.

Transport interruptions, including increased fares, limited public transport, traffic delays, or isolated gatherings, may occur should sections of transport operators or activists proceed with planned activities, officials warned.

Members of the public were advised to remain calm, monitor official updates, and plan movements in advance.

The players kept their word avoiding businesses. Most matatus were parked at petrol stations early Monday.

Businesses were also encouraged to remain alert and make operational adjustments where necessary in anticipation of possible transport disruptions.

The protesters are demanding a number of issues to be addressed.
The Transport Alliance umbrella, the stakeholders have accused the government of imposing “sharp and unjustified” fuel price increases through EPRA, saying the latest adjustments had worsened the cost of living for Kenyans.

Meanwhile a petitioner moved to the High Court seeking urgent conservatory orders to suspend the latest fuel price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), arguing that the move is unconstitutional, economically punitive and lacking in transparency.

In a petition filed before the Constitutional and Human Rights Division of the High Court, Francis Awino has sued  EPRA as the first respondent alongside the Cabinet Secretaries for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Energy and Petroleum, and Investments, Trade and Industry.

Also named in the case are the Attorney General, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the National Standards Council.

The petitioner is asking the court to certify the matter as urgent and issue conservatory orders suspending the implementation of the maximum retail petroleum prices announced by EPRA for the period between May 15 and June 14, 2026.

The petition specifically targets the increase in the prices of Super Petrol and Diesel, which have triggered public concern over the rising cost of living.

In its latest review, EPRA indicated that the cost of Super Petrol and Diesel has gone up by Sh16.65 and Sh46.29 per litre, respectively, while the price of Kerosene remains unchanged.

In Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will now retail at Sh214.25, Sh242.92 and Sh152.78 effective midnight for the next 30 days.