Section of schools advise learners to stay home amid nationwide transport strike over fuel hike protests

Protesters in Thika town have lit bonfires around roads to block motorists who were still operating despite the ongoing fuel hike protests. (Photo: Barack Oduor)

By Barack Oduor
Monday, May 18, 2026

The 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.

A section of schools within Nairobi and towns around it on Monday advised learners to stay at home following the beginning of protests against the fuel hike by motorists.

In a notice seen by The Eastleigh Voice, a school within Thika Town in Kiambu County has issued a notice to parents and guardians to keep learners at home until normalcy returns.

"Good evening parents/guardians, I hope this finds you and your family well. Due to tomorrow’s planned nationwide transport sector strike, we advise that learners do not come to school on Monday, May 18, 2026. For your safety and that of your children, we will communicate the way forward by the end of the day tomorrow," a notice by a school read.

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

However, the service maintained that the majority of transport-sector stakeholders 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.