Fuel price protest brings transport system in Kenya to a standstill
Thousands of commuters in Kenya have been left stranded, while businesses have ground to a halt after public transport operators embarked on a nationwide strike over recent increases in fuel prices.
Major roads in Nairobi, the capital, were largely deserted, forcing some residents to walk to work, with similar disruptions reported in other parts of the country. Many businesses in Nairobi remained closed, while several schools instructed students to stay at home.
Local television on Monday showed protesters blocking roads and setting fires during the demonstrations.
The strike follows a sharp increase in petroleum prices announced days earlier, with fuel costs rising by more than 20 percent to record levels.
Kenya, like many African nations, depends heavily on imported fuel from the Gulf region. Supply chains have been affected by the US–Israel conflict with Iran, which began on 28 February. Although a ceasefire has since been declared, prices remain elevated as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil passes, continues to experience disruptions.
In Nairobi and other areas, police clashed with protesters, deploying tear gas to disperse crowds. Some reports also indicated that demonstrators had stopped and harassed motorists.
Ahead of the strike, police assured the public that security measures were in place and warned against any actions that could disrupt order.
The Transport Sector Alliance (TSA), which represents transport operators, had earlier called on all road users, including private motorists, matatus, and truck drivers, to stay off the roads in support of the coordinated shutdown.
The alliance stated that the action was intended to involve all citizens, not only transport operators, and accused the government of failing to protect Kenyans from rising fuel costs amid a worsening cost-of-living crisis.
It is demanding a reversal of the recent price increases and a reduction of fuel prices by about 35 percent.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) had last Thursday raised fuel prices to as high as 242 shillings ($1.8; £1.4) per litre for diesel and petrol at $1.65 per litre.
Treasury Minister John Mbadi described the increase as “unfortunate” and acknowledged its negative impact on the economy, but said the strike was “completely uncalled for,” insisting that government decisions must be “guided by data, not emotions.”
“Why are we trying to solve a global problem using domestic means?” he asked.
Rising fuel costs have also driven up prices of food and other essential goods and services, with public transport operators already increasing fares.
Last month, the government reduced VAT on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent until July, though pressure continues for further interventions.
Source: BBC
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