Public transport operators have officially called off the nationwide transport sector strike over fuel prices, which had been set to resume on Monday, May 26, allowing room for further negotiations with the government.
The announcement was made on Friday, May 22, at State House, Mombasa, following high-level talks with President William Ruto on the operators’ concerns over rising fuel costs.
Federation of Public Transport Sector chair Edwin Mukabana directed investors, drivers and conductors to immediately return vehicles to the roads, confirming the end of the industrial action.
“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.
The developments follow days of tension in the transport sector, where operators had earlier suspended a strike after talks at Harambee House led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
The negotiations resulted in a one-week suspension of the strike to allow further engagement, with authorities urging normal transport operations to continue.
At least four people were reported killed and property destroyed during earlier protests linked to fuel price hikes.
During the briefing, President William Ruto announced a further reduction of Sh10 per litre in the price of diesel for the June–July pricing cycle.
The President said the move is part of ongoing efforts to stabilise fuel prices and cushion consumers from global market shocks.
“I have further directed that in the next pricing cycle, we are going to reduce the price of diesel by a further Sh10 for the June–July cycle to help stabilise pump prices and provide additional relief to consumers,” Ruto said after consultations with transport sector stakeholders.
The latest adjustment means diesel will retail at Sh222.92 in Nairobi from June 15.
The President said the government has already spent Sh28.19 billion on fuel stabilisation through subsidies and tax relief measures, arguing that the interventions have helped shield the economy from external shocks.
He defended the government-to-government (G2G) fuel procurement arrangement, saying it has ensured consistent supply and helped stabilise prices.
However, Ruto maintained that the government cannot fully remove taxes on petroleum products, noting that the revenue supports key sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure development. He also encouraged the adoption of electric vehicles as part of long-term solutions to rising fuel costs.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended the government’s response, attributing the global surge in fuel prices to geopolitical tensions, including the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which he said disrupted supply chains and increased freight and insurance costs.
He said the government had reduced VAT on fuel from 16 per cent and spent about Sh12 billion in the past two months on subsidies, with further measures expected to cushion consumers.
“The government remains committed to cushioning Kenyans from this crisis while ensuring long-term stability in fuel pricing,” Kindiki said.
He, however, defended continued taxation on fuel, saying it is necessary to fund essential public services and infrastructure development.
Kindiki also condemned incidents of violence and destruction witnessed during protests, warning that criminal acts such as looting, arson and armed robbery would be dealt with firmly.
“The use of violence, arson and destruction of property threatens national interests and will not be tolerated,” he said.
Meanwhile, legal pressure on the government has escalated after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) filed a petition at the High Court in Nyamira challenging the recent fuel price increases.
LSK argues that the increments were unconstitutional, lacked adequate public participation, and have worsened the cost of living.
The petition also raises concerns over transparency in the use of the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) stabilisation fund and challenges a temporary waiver on sulphur limits in fuel imports, citing environmental and health risks.
LSK is seeking orders suspending the new fuel prices, compelling disclosure of the fuel pricing formula and subsidy allocations, and halting implementation of the sulphur waiver pending public participation and environmental review.
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