Kenya Transport Strike Over Fuel Price Hikes Called Off

A Kenyan public transport strike triggered by rising fuel prices linked to the Iran war was suspended on Tuesday after the government reached a temporary agreement with bus and minibus operators’ associations.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said four people were killed and around 30 others injured on Monday during nationwide protests connected to the strike, as public frustration over the rising cost of living escalated.
Murkomen announced during a joint press briefing with transport groups that the strike would be paused for one week to allow further negotiations between the government and operators.

Talks on Monday, the first day of the strike, failed to produce a deal despite the government agreeing to reduce diesel prices by about 10 shillings per litre.

Howeve, transport operators had demanded a much larger cut of 46 shillings per litre, saying diesel is their main fuel. Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi noted that the 10-shilling reduction would cost the government about 2.7 billion Kenyan shillings (around $20.79 million) in lost revenue.

Transport services remained heavily disrupted across Kenya on Tuesday morning, with some schools closed. After the announcement, transport associations urged members to resume work.

Kenya relies almost entirely on imported fuel from the Middle East through government-to-government agreements with Gulf suppliers.

Recent fuel price increases over the past two months have sharply raised transport fares and pushed up the cost of basic goods, increasing pressure on already strained households.

There was a heavy police presence in Nairobi on Tuesday following clashes the previous day, when protesters blocked roads and security forces used tear gas to disperse them.

One commuter, identified only as Ian, said his usual fare of 100 shillings had increased drastically.

He instead paid about 500 shillings after struggling to find transport, describing it as the biggest challenge.($1 = 129.85 Kenyan shillings)