Thousands of commuters were stranded across Kenya on Monday as a nationwide transport strike over soaring fuel prices brought public transport services to a near standstill and disrupted businesses, schools and daily life.
Major roads in the capital Nairobi remained largely deserted as public transport operators suspended services to protest against recent fuel price hikes. Many commuters were forced to walk long distances to work, while some schools advised students to remain at home.
Protesters blocked roads and set fires in several areas as demonstrations intensified throughout the day. Police later clashed with protesters in parts of Nairobi and other regions, using tear gas to disperse crowds amid reports of motorists being harassed on the roads.
The strike follows a sharp rise in petroleum prices announced last week by Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority. Fuel costs increased by more than 20%, pushing diesel and petrol prices to record highs.
Kenya, like many African nations, depends heavily on imported fuel from Gulf countries. Supply disruptions linked to the recent US-Israel conflict with Iran and continued tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to rising global oil prices.
Passengers across Nairobi were left stranded at bus terminals and roadside stations early Monday, while travellers arriving from other parts of the country struggled to enter the city due to roadblocks.
“There is no matatu anywhere,” one commuter identified as Charles told reporters from Kitengela, on the outskirts of Nairobi.
“We used to pay 100 to 150 shillings. Right now it’s 300. Life is becoming unbearable,” he said, appealing to President William Ruto to reduce fuel prices.
A bus conductor travelling from Tanzania said passengers had been stranded in Kajiado, about 75 kilometres from Nairobi, after protesters blocked roads leading into the capital.
“Many passengers were travelling for work and business. People are frustrated because transport has been disrupted,” he said.
Businesses in several parts of Nairobi remained closed due to the transport paralysis, while traders and suppliers also reported major losses.
Abdi Suleiman, a trader operating near the Kenya-Tanzania border town of Taveta, said the strike had prevented him from transporting food supplies as usual.
The strike was organised by the Transport Sector Alliance (TSA), which called on all motorists, including private drivers, bus operators and truckers, to stay off the roads in protest against the government’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis.
“This action is not only for transport operators, but for every Kenyan citizen,” the alliance said in a statement.
The group has demanded that the government reverse last week’s fuel price increase and reduce prices by around 35%.
Ahead of the strike, police warned against violence and assured the public that security measures would remain in place.
Kenyan Treasury Minister John Mbadi described the fuel price increase as “unfortunate” and acknowledged its impact on the economy, but criticised the nationwide strike as “completely uncalled for.”
“Why are we trying to solve a global problem using domestic means?” he said during a television interview.
Rising fuel prices have already pushed up the cost of food, transport and other essential goods across Kenya, adding pressure on households struggling with inflation and economic hardship.
Last month, the government reduced fuel VAT from 16% to 8% until July, but many Kenyans say further action is needed to ease the burden on consumers.