Thousands of Kenyan commuters have been stranded and businesses paralyzed as public transport operators went on a nationwide strike to protest against recent increases in the cost of fuel. Key roads in the capital Nairobi remained largely empty, forcing some commuters to walk to work, with other parts of the country also affected by the transport crisis.
The strike comes days after the authorities raised petroleum prices to record levels, with costs increasing by more than 20%. Kenya, like many other African countries, relies heavily on fuel imports from the Gulf, a supply route disrupted by the US-Israel conflict with Iran that began on Feb 28. Even though a ceasefire has been declared, fuel prices have remained high as the Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of the world’s oil passes through, is still blocked.
Protests Turn Violent
In parts of Nairobi and elsewhere across the country, police clashed with protesters, using tear gas to disperse them. This came amid reports of demonstrators stopping and harassing some motorists. Protesters have been barricading roads and lighting fires on the roads as the protests continue.
Transport Alliance Calls for Fuel Price Reversal
The association representing transport operators had earlier urged all vehicle users, including private motorists, public transport buses (locally known as matatus) and truckers, to stay off the roads as part of a coordinated shutdown.
This action is not only for transport operators, but for every Kenyan citizen, the Transport Sector Alliance said in a statement.
The alliance has accused the government of not doing enough to shield Kenyans from the rising fuel prices, amid a broader high cost-of-living crisis. It has called for the reversal of the price increases announced last week, and for fuel prices to be reduced by about 35%.
Government Response
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority raised prices to a high of 242 shillings ($1.8) a litre for diesel and petrol to $1.65. Treasury Minister John Mbadi told local NTV station on Monday that the increase in fuel prices was “unfortunate” and acknowledged that it was hurting the economy. He however said the strike was “completely uncalled for” and the government would only make decisions that are “informed and not emotional”.
“Why are we trying to solve a global problem using domestic means?” he asked.
What Comes Next
The high cost of fuel is being blamed for increases in the price of food and other basic goods and services, with public service vehicles already raising commuter fares. Last month, the government cut VAT on fuel from 16% to 8% until July but there have been calls for it to do more. The situation remains tense as protesters refuse to budge and the government holds firm on its stance.
