Thousands of commuters in Kenya have been left stranded after a nationwide transport strike brought public transport to a standstill, following sharp increases in fuel prices that have triggered widespread disruption across the country.
The strike by public transport operators has severely affected movement in the capital Nairobi and other regions, leaving major roads largely empty and forcing many residents to walk to work.
Schools in some areas asked students to stay home, while businesses in parts of the capital remained closed as the transport crisis escalated.
Protesters have also erected roadblocks and set fires on key routes, intensifying the disruption.
Fuel price hike triggers unrest
The transport strike in Kenya follows a recent increase in fuel prices of more than 20%, which has pushed petroleum costs to record levels.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised prices to as high as 242 Kenyan shillings per litre for diesel and petrol.
Operators say the increases have made it increasingly difficult to sustain public transport services without passing costs on to commuters.
In several areas, police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators as tensions escalated between authorities and striking transport operators.
Reports also indicated incidents of motorists being stopped and harassed during the protests.
Authorities had earlier warned against disruption and said security forces were deployed to maintain order.
Transport operators demand government action
The Transport Sector Alliance (TSA), which represents operators, called for a nationwide shutdown involving matatus, private vehicles and trucks.
The group said the strike was not only aimed at transport workers but reflected wider public frustration over the rising cost of living.
It has demanded a reversal of recent fuel price increases and a reduction of prices by around 35%.
Government response and economic pressure
Treasury Minister John Mbadi described the fuel price hike as “unfortunate” but said the strike was “completely uncalled for”, arguing that government decisions must be based on broader economic considerations.
He noted that global energy pressures, including disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, continue to influence fuel costs.
Fuel price increases have also driven up the cost of food, transport fares and other essential goods across Kenya.
Broader economic impact
Kenya, like many import-dependent economies, relies heavily on fuel imports from global markets. Rising costs have added pressure to households already facing inflationary challenges.
Although the government recently reduced VAT on fuel from 16% to 8%, critics say additional measures are needed to stabilise prices and ease public hardship.
The strike continues to highlight growing tensions between economic policy, global energy markets and domestic affordability pressures.
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