The nationwide public transport strike in Kenya has been suspended for one week after negotiations between government officials and transport operators produced a temporary agreement aimed at easing tensions over rising fuel prices.
The strike, which disrupted movement across major cities including Nairobi and Mombasa, was triggered by sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices linked to global oil supply disruptions. Transport operators argued that the increases made it impossible to sustain normal fares without heavily burdening commuters.
According to officials, the suspension was reached after talks involving the government and associations representing bus and minibus operators. Transport leaders agreed to pause the industrial action for seven days to allow further discussions on fuel pricing and possible relief measures.
During the negotiations, the government proposed a reduction of about 10 Kenyan shillings per litre of diesel as an immediate step to ease pressure on operators. However, transport groups had initially demanded a far deeper cut of around 46 shillings per litre, arguing that smaller adjustments would not address the scale of rising costs.
Authorities estimate that the proposed diesel reduction would cost the government about 2.7 billion Kenyan shillings, roughly $20.79 million, in lost revenue. Officials said the proposal reflects an attempt to balance public pressure with fiscal constraints.
The strike had escalated into unrest in several parts of the country, with reports of road blockages, damaged property and clashes between protesters and security forces. Interior officials confirmed that at least four people were killed during the protests, while more than 30 others were injured as tensions intensified on the first day of the strike.
Commuters in urban centres were among the hardest hit, with many forced to walk long distances or pay significantly higher fares to reach workplaces. Public transport operators across the country largely withdrew services, leaving buses, minibuses and taxis unavailable in many areas.
Fuel price increases in Kenya have been driven in part by global crude oil market disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has affected supply chains and raised import costs for fuel-dependent economies. Kenya imports nearly all its petroleum products, making domestic prices highly sensitive to international market shifts.
Government officials said the suspension of the strike provides a window to continue negotiations and explore longer term solutions, including pricing adjustments and potential support mechanisms for transport operators.
Transport leaders said they will consult their members during the suspension period before deciding whether to resume industrial action if no durable agreement is reached.
The situation remains closely watched as Kenya continues to grapple with rising transport costs, inflationary pressure and growing public frustration over the cost of living.
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Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
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