The Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) has suspended the nationwide matatu strike that was scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, following consultations with key stakeholders.
In a notice issued on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the federation explained: “Following consultations between representatives of Boda Boda Operators, PSV Operators and Security Agencies, it was agreed that the Matatu Strike scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, be suspended to give dialogue a chance.”
🚨 UPDATE 🚨
The matatu strike scheduled for Monday, 2nd February 2026 has been suspended following stakeholder consultations.
✔️ Public transport will operate as usual
✔️ Dialogue continues toward a lasting solution#Matatustrike #FPTS #publictransport #nairobiurbandevelopment pic.twitter.com/uU9nIWoA2D— Federation of Public Transport Sector (@FederationofPT) February 1, 2026
Public Transport in Kenya: Matatu Sector at the Core
Public transport in Kenya is dominated by the informal matatu (minibus) sector, which carries between 62,000 and 108,000 passengers daily along major corridors in Nairobi. Despite its critical role, the sector faces persistent challenges.
As of January 2026, matatu and bus fares fell by 1.9%, following a slight decrease in fuel prices. The sector continues to grow, driven by rapid urbanisation, but safety remains a pressing concern, with 4,458 road fatalities recorded in 2025.
Dialogue to Address Transport Sector Concerns
FPTS confirmed that further consultations will continue among matatu operators, boda boda associations, private vehicle owners, freight operators, the National Police Service, and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). The goal is to reach a lasting and peaceful solution to the grievances that prompted the planned industrial action.
The suspension comes after widespread concern that transport operations across Kenya would be disrupted. The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) had announced that private car owners, truck drivers, and transporters would join matatu operators in halting services to protest rising lawlessness and impunity on Kenyan roads.
Explained: Why Access to Mobility Data is Key for Policy Making
Safety Concerns and Rising Lawlessness
Transport operators cited repeated cases of vehicle burnings, noting that at least nine vehicles—including matatus, buses, trucks, and private cars; were torched within a single month in areas such as Juja, Luanda in Vihiga County, and along the Thika Superhighway.
They argued that the attacks have caused millions of shillings in losses, destroyed livelihoods, and placed passengers, drivers, and bystanders at serious risk. Operators warned that mob justice is increasingly replacing due process, undermining confidence in law enforcement and creating fear among motorists.
Kenya Addressing Urban Transport Challenges
Against this backdrop, the Government of Kenya is working to modernise urban mobility. During the first stakeholders’ consultative workshop for the Draft National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) in Nairobi, Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar stated: “The project focuses on improving urban mobility through policy, institutional strengthening, improvement in commuter rail services, non-motorized infrastructure, as well as Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).”
Mohamed emphasised that NUTP, as part of the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project (KUMIP), will support improvements to urban transport systems, ensuring they are well‑planned, safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
He added: “These challenges not only derail productivity but also impact the quality of life for millions of citizens living in urban areas, especially in major cities with large populations.”
The Role of UAPTS in Transport Modernisation
To strengthen transport management, the government plans to roll out the Unified Analytics and Predictive Transport System (UAPTS). This integrated, data‑driven dashboard will consolidate transport information from multiple agencies into one platform.
UAPTS will enable real‑time monitoring, advanced analytics, predictive intelligence, and evidence‑based decision‑making, bridging gaps caused by limited transport data across agencies. By acting as the centre for transport sector management, UAPTS will inform decisions on infrastructure planning, traffic management, safety enforcement, and sustainability initiatives, helping Kenya’s cities respond more effectively to rising mobility demands.
