Protests over fuel price hikes erupted across several towns in Kenya on Monday, while a nationwide public transport strike stranded commuters and forced many residents to walk to work.
The Transport Sector Alliance had announced on Sunday that vehicles affiliated with its member associations would stop operations from midnight in protest against the latest increase in fuel prices. Police had earlier vowed to prevent disruptions.
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority raised retail fuel prices by as much as 23.5 per cent after a previous 24.2 per cent increase in April, citing pressure on global oil and gas supplies linked to conflict in the Middle East.
On Monday morning, roads leading into Nairobi were blocked by striking transport operators and groups of protesters.
Police fired tear gas in some areas, while protesters burned tyres and blocked access to major roads, worsening traffic congestion and leaving many commuters stranded.
In Mombasa, the country’s main port city, the strike raised concerns over possible supply chain disruptions.
Finance Minister John Mbadi told Citizen TV that the finance and energy ministries planned to meet transport operators later on Monday to seek a resolution, adding that current fuel prices were already being subsidised.
Kenya imports nearly all of its fuel products from the Middle East through government-to-government agreements with Gulf suppliers.
The fuel price increase has sharply raised transport fares and pushed up the cost of basic goods, increasing pressure on households already struggling with the rising cost of living.
A public relations worker, Gabriel Odhiambo, said his transport expenses had doubled, while food prices had also surged.
He said four tomatoes now cost 60 Kenyan shillings (about 50 U.S. cents), nearly three times their previous price.
Kenya increased the pump price of super petrol in Nairobi to 214.25 Kenyan shillings per litre from 206.97 shillings, while diesel rose to 242.92 shillings from 196.63 shillings for the May 15 to June 14 pricing cycle. Kerosene prices remained unchanged at 152.78 shillings per litre.
