Schools postpone classes over planned strike by transport sector player over high cost of fuel

Schools postpone classes over planned strike by transport sector player over high cost of fuel

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

This is over rising fuel prices.

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

Separately, there have been unverified online discussions relating to possible protests.

Police indicated that patrols will be enhanced across key areas within the Nairobi CBD and surrounding areas as a precautionary measure.

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.

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.

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

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

The protesters are demanding EPRA’s immediate disbandment.

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.

In the application, Awino argued that the fuel price adjustments were implemented without sufficient public participation, transparency or accountability, contrary to constitutional requirements governing public finance and administrative action.

He contends that the latest price review will have a direct ripple effect on the economy by increasing transport costs, food prices and the cost of essential commodities, thereby placing additional strain on Kenyan households already grappling with the high cost of living.

“The impugned decision is opaque, unreasonable and procedurally unfair,” the petitioner states in the court papers, adding that the decision violates Article 47 of the Constitution on fair administrative action.

Awino further argues that the increase threatens socio-economic rights guaranteed under Articles 43 and 46 of the Constitution, particularly the rights of consumers and access to basic needs.

As part of the application, the petitioner wants the court to compel EPRA and the National Treasury to publicly disclose a detailed breakdown of the fuel pricing formula used in the May–June review cycle.

The requested disclosures include landed fuel costs, applicable taxes and levies, exchange-rate assumptions, profit margins and the criteria used in determining the final pump prices.

The petitioner is also demanding accountability regarding the reported utilisation of approximately Ksh.5 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund (PDLF), arguing that the public has not been adequately informed on how the funds were applied to cushion consumers against rising global oil prices.

According to the court filings, the alleged use of the levy funds was undertaken “without adequate disclosure and accountability,” raising concerns over transparency and prudent management of public resources.

Awino sought orders restraining the government from further utilising monies from the PDLF unless there is full disclosure of the formula, allocation framework, beneficiaries and accountability mechanisms guiding the expenditure.

The petition also raises concerns over environmental and public health standards following a reported temporary waiver of sulphur fuel standards announced on April 30, 2026.

The petitioner argued that relaxing sulphur limits in fuel products could expose Kenyans to increased environmental pollution and health risks.

He sought orders suspending the waiver or compelling the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, KEBS and the National Standards Council to provide the court with technical reports, scientific assessments, records of public participation and environmental safeguards supporting the decision.

In addition, the petitioner wanted the court to direct the Ministry of Energy and other relevant state agencies to disclose the status of implementation of the National Energy Security and Resilience Plan reportedly approved by the National Security Council Committee.

Awino argued that Kenyans have a right to know the government’s long-term strategy for addressing fuel supply stability, price volatility and national energy security.

The application stated that the matter is exceptionally urgent due to growing public outrage over the latest fuel prices and threats of nationwide demonstrations.

According to the petitioner, failure by the court to intervene could heighten public tensions, trigger protests and negatively affect economic stability and public order.

The case is expected to draw significant national attention as concerns continue to mount over the impact of rising fuel prices on transport fares, inflation, food costs and the broader economy.