NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 31 – Kenya is bracing for a nationwide transport shutdown on Monday, February 2, 2026 after operators accused the government of doing nothing to stop the rising torching of vehicles on public roads.
The strike notice was issued by the Motorists Association of Kenya.
Transporters warned that Monday’s action will not be a one-day event, but the start of more protests if authorities fail to act decisively against what they describe as growing lawlessness on the roads.
At the centre of the crisis is the increasing number of vehicles being burned by mobs after road accidents.
Transporters say the situation has spiralled out of control, turning highways into danger zones and wiping out livelihoods in minutes.
“In just one month, at least nine vehicles have been set on fire,” the association said.
These include matatus, buses, trucks, and private cars.
On November 2, 2025, a 33-seater minibus was torched along Thika Road near Juja after a fatal pedestrian accident.
On September 1, 2025, a Super Metro matatu was burned on Thika Superhighway, also in Juja, following an accident involving a boda boda rider.
Days later, on September 6, a 14-seater matatu was set ablaze in Luanda, Vihiga County, after a crash on the Kisumu–Busia highway.
On September 26, 2025, an Audi SUV was torched on Thika Superhighway after another fatal boda boda accident.
“These acts destroy millions of shillings’ worth of property, erase years of investment, and put innocent passengers and bystanders at serious risk,” the association said. “Every time such an incident goes unpunished, it encourages the next mob.”
The association has also warned the public to ignore any messages claiming the strike has been called off.
According to transport leaders, such claims are allegedly coming from individuals linked to the violence or from those who have failed to stop it.
“This is about the value of human life, respect for private property, and the rule of law,” the association said. “The question Kenya must answer is whether mob rule will be allowed to replace justice.”
