President William Ruto has unveiled a series of interventions aimed at easing pressure on the transport sector following days of unrest linked to rising fuel prices, as public transport operators called off a nationwide strike after talks at State House, Mombasa.
Speaking on Friday, May 22, 2026, after consultations with transport sector stakeholders, the President said the government had listened to the concerns raised by operators, drivers and logistics workers, and would continue engaging them to find practical solutions.
“To our transport operators, drivers, and logistics workers, we hear your concerns, we respect the important role you play in keeping our economy moving, and we will continue engaging you to find practical solutions. No Kenyan should feel abandoned in this moment,” Ruto said.
As part of the new measures, Ruto directed the Ministry of Transport to engage financial institutions to explore temporary relief on lending terms for transport operators affected by the fuel price crisis.
He further instructed the ministry, in collaboration with the Insurance Regulatory Authority, to address challenges facing operators in accessing insurance claims, and to review the Insurance Act and Auctioneers Act within three months to establish a more responsive framework for the sector.
The President also directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to engage digital taxi platforms and drivers to develop regulations on minimum fares and resolve long-standing disputes in the ride-hailing industry.
“Recognising the important role of creativity and self-expression within our transport culture, I have directed NTSA to facilitate an enabling environment for matatu operators to continue utilising artwork and graffiti on their vehicles in a manner that upholds safety and respect for other road users,” he said.
Ruto said the government would continue working with stakeholders across the transport sector to develop sustainable solutions aimed at protecting livelihoods and supporting economic activity.
The announcement came as the Federation of Public Transport Sector officially called off the nationwide strike over fuel prices, which had been scheduled to resume on Monday, May 26.
Federation chair Edwin Mukabana directed operators, drivers and conductors to return vehicles to the roads immediately, signalling 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 resolution follows several days of tension in the transport sector, including earlier protests and disruptions triggered by increases in fuel prices. At least four people were reported killed and property destroyed during the unrest.
Ruto also announced a further reduction of Sh10 per litre in the price of diesel for the June–July pricing cycle, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise fuel costs and cushion consumers.
“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,” he said.
The latest adjustment will see diesel retail at Sh222.92 in Nairobi from June 15.
The President said the government has spent Sh28.19 billion on fuel stabilisation through subsidies and tax relief measures, adding that the government-to-government (G2G) fuel procurement arrangement had helped ensure supply stability.
However, he maintained that taxes on petroleum products cannot be fully removed, noting that they fund key sectors including health, education and infrastructure development. He also urged increased adoption of electric mobility as a long-term solution to rising fuel costs.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
