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Protests erupted across several towns in Kenya on Monday following sharp increases in fuel prices linked to the ongoing Iran war, with a nationwide public transport strike leaving thousands of commuters stranded and forcing many to walk to work.
The strike, organised by the Transport Sector Alliance, began at midnight after transport operators announced they would suspend operations in protest against the latest fuel price adjustments, according to Reuters.
Roads leading into the capital, Nairobi, were blocked by striking operators and groups of demonstrators, causing heavy congestion and widespread disruption to business activity.
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Police fired tear gas in some areas to disperse protesters, while burning tyres were used to barricade key roads.
In Mombasa, Kenya’s main port city, concerns emerged over possible supply chain disruptions as transport operations slowed down.
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority last week increased retail fuel prices by up to 23.5 percent after a previous 24.2 percent hike last month, citing rising global oil prices and supply pressures linked to the Middle East conflict.
The latest adjustments pushed the pump price of super petrol in Nairobi to 214.25 Kenyan shillings per litre from 206.97 shillings, while diesel rose sharply to 242.92 shillings from 196.63 shillings. Kerosene prices remained unchanged.
Finance Minister, John Mbadi, said government officials from the finance and energy ministries were expected to meet public transport operators to seek a solution to the crisis.
Mr Mbadi noted that the current fuel prices were already benefiting from government subsidies.
The fuel hikes have triggered increases in transport fares and the cost of essential goods, worsening pressure on households already grappling with a high cost of living.
Gabriel Odhiambo, a 24-year-old public relations worker, said his transport costs had doubled, while food prices had also risen significantly.
“Four tomatoes now cost 60 shillings, almost three times what they used to cost,” he said.
Kenya imports nearly all its fuel from the Middle East through government-to-government agreements with Gulf suppliers, leaving the country vulnerable to global supply disruptions and price shocks.
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