NAIROBI — Thousands of commuters found themselves stranded and commercial hubs ground to a halt on Monday as public transport operators launched a nationwide strike across Kenya. The coordinated shutdown, triggered by a historic surge in fuel prices, has left the capital’s typically bustling roads largely empty, forced schools to send students home, and shuttered countless businesses.
The crisis highlights the severe domestic ripple effects of ongoing global geopolitical conflicts, leaving everyday Kenyans to bear the economic brunt.
Widespread Disruption and Clashes
The strike quickly escalated beyond empty bus ranks. In parts of Nairobi and other regions, the situation turned volatile as protesters blocked key transport arteries with burning tires and barricades. Reports indicate that some motorists were stopped and harassed by demonstrators.
In response, riot police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds. According to Nairobi Police Commander Issa Mohamud, the unrest has resulted in significant fallout:
- 225 individuals have been arrested in connection with the protests.
- 6 police officers sustained injuries during the clashes.
- 6 vehicles (five police, one civilian) were damaged.
Despite prior assurances from law enforcement that strict security measures would ensure smooth transit, the reality on the ground was one of severe disruption. A bus conductor traveling from Tanzania told the BBC his fully loaded vehicle was blocked in Kajiado, 75km (46 miles) from Nairobi, leaving business travelers deeply frustrated. Similarly, cross-border traders, like Taveta-based Abdi Suleiman, reported that essential food supply chains had been entirely severed for the day.
The Root of the Crisis: Global Conflict Hits Local Wallets
The Transport Sector Alliance (TSA), the umbrella body representing transport operators, urged all citizens—including private motorists and truckers—to stay off the roads. The alliance is demanding that the government intervene and reduce fuel prices by roughly 35%.
The strike follows a recent announcement by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) pushing fuel prices to unprecedented heights.
| Metric | Current Status / Impact |
| Fuel Prices | Diesel hit a record 242 shillings ($1.80/£1.40) per liter; Petrol reached $1.65. |
| Commuter Fares | Fares have doubled or tripled. Routes previously costing 100–150 shillings now demand up to 300 shillings. |
| Global Catalyst | The February 28 US-Israel conflict with Iran, which blocked the Strait of Hormuz (a route handling 20% of global oil). |
Because Kenya relies heavily on fuel imports from the Gulf, the disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has created a supply bottleneck, driving up costs by more than 20% locally and drastically inflating the price of food and basic services.
Voices from the Ground
The economic strain has sparked desperate pleas from citizens who rely on the local matatu (minibus) networks.
“There is no matatu anywhere… Life is becoming so unbearable. So please, President William Ruto, wherever you are, if you can listen to us Kenyans, please lower those fuel prices,” pleaded Charles, a resident of the Kitengela outskirts, speaking to Reuters.
The Government’s Response
Treasury Minister John Mbadi addressed the crisis on local television, acknowledging the severe pain the soaring costs are inflicting on the economy. However, he firmly condemned the transport strike, labeling it “completely uncalled for.”
“Why are we trying to solve a global problem using domestic means?” Mbadi asked, asserting that government policy must be “informed and not emotional.”
Mbadi pointed out that the government had already attempted to cushion the blow last month by slashing the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16% to 8% until July. While he suggested that additional tax relief measures could be considered if global prices continue to climb, no formal agreement has been reached between the state and the TSA.
With negotiations stalled, fears are mounting that the crippling transport strike will continue indefinitely.
