By Staff Reporter
Kenya has temporarily suspended a nationwide transport strike sparked by soaring fuel prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, after violent protests left four people dead and disrupted economic activity across the country.
The strike, led mainly by operators of Kenya’s popular “matatu” public transport buses, brought major cities to a standstill as anger grew over sharp increases in fuel costs. Petrol prices have risen by 20 percent, while diesel prices have jumped nearly 40 percent following disruptions in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the strike would be paused for one week to allow negotiations between the government and transport stakeholders.
“The strike that is going on is suspended for a period of one week to provide an avenue for consultations and negotiations,” Murkomen said.
The suspension was confirmed by Albert Karakacha, president of the Matatu Owners Association, although some transport leaders warned protests could resume if talks fail to produce meaningful solutions.
Earlier, transport operators insisted that minor fuel price reductions would not solve the crisis. Protesters argue that high fuel taxes and the rising cost of living are pushing ordinary Kenyans deeper into hardship.
The unrest has already had severe consequences. Government officials confirmed that four people were killed and more than 30 injured during Monday’s demonstrations. Police also arrested over 700 people nationwide as clashes erupted in several areas.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, condemned the violence and urged security forces to exercise restraint.
The strike paralysed transport and business operations across Nairobi. Schools, embassies, and many workplaces were forced to close, while hospitals struggled to operate normally.
A nurse identified only as Faith said she was trapped at work for 24 hours because public transport had stopped operating.
“I did not expect this. It’s really affecting patient care, big time,” she said, while adding that she still supported the protests because fuel prices had become unbearable.
Kenya’s economy also suffered heavy losses during the shutdown. Economists estimate that a single day of nationwide protests can cost the country nearly 50 billion Kenyan shillings (about $390 million).
Political analysts warn that Kenya’s unrest could signal wider instability across Africa as many countries on the continent depend heavily on imported fuel from the Gulf region. Similar protests over fuel prices recently erupted in Comoros, where at least one person was killed.
Despite being one of East Africa’s strongest economies, Kenya continues to struggle with widespread poverty, unemployment, and growing public frustration over the rising cost of living.
