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Nationwide strike cripples Kenya's transport network
Kenya's public transport sector ground to a halt on Monday as operators launched a nationwide strike to protest soaring fuel costs, stranding thousands of commuters and disrupting businesses across the country.
Empty streets and economic paralysis
Major roads in Nairobi were nearly deserted, with many residents forced to walk to work or stay home. Schools in the capital advised students to remain indoors, while businesses shuttered in response to the crisis. Similar disruptions were reported in other regions, including border towns where cross-border trade stalled.
A bus conductor traveling from Tanzania told the BBC that passengers bound for Nairobi were stranded in Kajiado, roughly 75 km from the city, due to roadblocks. "The bus was full-people traveling for work and business. Now they're frustrated and stuck," he said.
Protesters clash with police as arrests mount
Demonstrators blocked roads with burning tires and barricades, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse crowds. Nairobi Police Commander Issa Mohamud reported that six officers were injured, five police vehicles and one civilian car were damaged, and 225 people were arrested during the unrest.
Motorist Abdi Suleiman, who operates near Taveta on the Tanzania-Kenya border, said the strike had halted his usual supply runs. "I couldn't source food items this morning. The disruption is hitting businesses hard," he told the BBC.
Fuel price surge sparks public outrage
The strike follows a recent government decision to raise petroleum prices to record highs, with costs jumping over 20%. Diesel and petrol now cost up to 242 Kenyan shillings ($1.80) per liter, exacerbating a cost-of-living crisis.
"There's no matatu anywhere. We used to pay 100-150 shillings, but now it's 300. Life is unbearable. President Ruto, please lower fuel prices,"
Charles, a resident of Kitengela (Reuters)
Kenya, like many African nations, depends on fuel imports from the Gulf, where supply chains have been disrupted by geopolitical tensions. Despite a ceasefire in the US-Israel conflict with Iran, the Strait of Hormuz-through which a fifth of global oil passes-remains blocked, keeping prices elevated.
Government defends price hike amid calls for relief
The Transport Sector Alliance (TSA), representing operators, accused the government of failing to protect citizens from economic strain. The group demanded a 35% price cut and a reversal of last week's increases.
Treasury Minister John Mbadi acknowledged the hardship but called the strike "uncalled for," insisting the government would act based on "informed, not emotional" decisions. "Why solve a global problem with domestic measures?" he told NTV.
Last month, the government halved the VAT on fuel to 8% until July, but critics argue more must be done. Mbadi hinted at further tax relief if global prices rise, though no agreement with operators has been reached, raising fears the strike could continue.
