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By: Faith Mukoya, MKU
A major fuel strike in Kenya this week caused serious problems across the country. Public transport operators stopped working to protest the high cost of fuel, especially diesel. The strike affected thousands of commuters, businesses, schools, and shops, especially in the capital city, Nairobi.
Many people were unable to travel to work or school as buses and minibuses stayed off the roads.
The strike started after the government increased fuel prices earlier this month. Diesel prices rose sharply by more than 23 percent. Petrol prices also increased. Transport workers said the new prices were too high and made it difficult for them to continue operating their vehicles. Many drivers complained that they were spending more on fuel than they were earning from passengers.
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Kenya depends heavily on imported fuel from the Middle East. Reports indicate that global fuel prices increased because of conflict in the region, especially the ongoing Iran crisis. As a result, fuel became more expensive in many countries, including Kenya. The Kenyan government said international factors were responsible for the price increase.
On Monday morning, roads in Nairobi and other towns became crowded and chaotic. Thousands of commuters were stranded because public service vehicles, known locally as matatus, were not operating. Some people walked long distances to work, while others paid very high prices to private drivers. One commuter told reporters that he normally paid 100 Kenyan shillings for transport, but during the strike he was forced to pay 250 shillings.
The protests quickly turned violent in some areas. Demonstrators blocked roads using burning tyres and stones. Police officers used tear gas to disperse crowds in several towns. According to government officials, four people died during the protests and more than 30 others were injured. Hundreds of people were arrested after clashes with police.
Businesses suffered heavily during the strike. Some schools closed because teachers and students could not travel. Shops and markets also lost customers. In Mombasa, fears grew that transport delays could affect supplies coming through the port. Since Kenya is an important transport hub for neighbouring countries, many people worried that the strike could hurt trade in East Africa.
Transport operators demanded that the government reduce diesel prices by 46 shillings per litre. However, government officials said such a large reduction would cost the country billions of shillings. Energy officials explained that Kenya had already spent huge amounts of money on fuel subsidies to protect consumers from rising prices.
At first, talks between transport leaders and government officials failed to reach an agreement. The strike continued for two days while tensions remained high across the country. President William Ruto later returned to the country and met with transport operators to discuss the crisis.
On Friday, President Ruto announced that the government would lower diesel prices in the next fuel review. He said the price of diesel would be reduced by 10 Kenyan shillings per litre to help consumers and transport operators. Following the announcement, transport leaders agreed to call off the strike.
Although the strike has ended for now, many Kenyans are still worried about the high cost of living. Fuel prices affect transport, food, and many other daily needs. Opposition leaders blamed corruption and poor management for the crisis, while the government insisted that global fuel shortages were mainly responsible.
The recent protests show the growing frustration among ordinary Kenyans struggling with rising prices. Many citizens hope the government will find long-term solutions to stabilize fuel costs and improve the economy. For now, transport services are slowly returning to normal, but the events of this week have left a strong impact across the country.
