Public anger over a sharp rise in fuel prices, driven by global supply shocks linked to the Iran conflict, spilled into the streets of Kenya on Monday, shutting schools, grounding public transport and triggering widespread protests across major towns.
Schools across Kenya remained closed on Monday as nationwide protests over soaring fuel prices paralysed transport, blocked highways and forced thousands of commuters to walk to work after public transport operators launched a strike.
Bonfires, stones and uprooted guardrails blocked major roads leading into Nairobi, while protesters in several towns turned back private vehicles attempting to access city centres.
The demonstrations erupted after diesel prices surged by about 50% since the start of the war in Iran, triggering anger among transport operators already struggling with rising operating costs.
In Nairobi, major commuter corridors including Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way and Jogoo Road were blocked as protesters burned tyres and erected barricades.
Public transport operators, including matatu owners, truckers, bus companies and digital taxi drivers, had announced a nationwide shutdown from midnight on Monday after talks with the government failed to produce relief measures.
“We walked to work from 4 a.m because there is no transport anywhere,” said Jane Wanjiru, a Nairobi office worker who was walking along Thika Road toward the city centre. “People are tired. Every month the prices go up but salaries remain the same,” she told Impact Newswire.
Albert Karakacha, chair of the Matatu Owners Association, said operators were willing to return to the negotiating table if the government addressed concerns over fuel costs.
“We are ready to negotiate with the government because this crisis is hurting both operators and passengers,” Karakacha told reporters. “The current fuel prices are unsustainable for the transport sector.”
In the port city of Mombasa, stranded commuters gathered at empty bus stages as transport operators kept vehicles off the roads.
“We cannot survive with this fuel price anymore,” said Salim Bakari, a matatu driver in Mombasa, speaking to Impact Newswire. “Even passengers are refusing the new fares.”
In Kisumu, Kisii and Nyahururu protesters lit bonfires and blocked sections of roads entering the lakeside city, while traders reported low business activity.
“This is no longer about transport alone. Food prices and rent are also rising,” said Carol Achieng, a fruit vendor in Kisumu.
In Nakuru, police dispersed protesters near the Nairobi-Nakuru highway after demonstrators attempted to barricade roads with stones and burning debris.
“The government is not listening to ordinary Kenyans,” said Peter Mwangi, a boda boda rider in Nakuru. “We are working only to buy fuel.”
Cornelius Chepsoi, chair of the Rig Owners Association, said rising fuel prices were affecting households and all businesses across the country.
“Transport is the backbone of the economy, so when fuel prices rise this sharply, the impact spreads immediately to food prices, school transport and the cost of living,” he told reporters.
He added that motorists were increasingly comparing regional disparities in fuel pricing, pointing to lower pump prices in Uganda and Tanzania as a growing source of frustration. “People are angry because they see fuel being cheaper just across the border in Uganda and Tanzania, yet here in Kenya we are paying far more for the same product.”
Schools in Nairobi, Thika, Machakos, Kisii, Eldoret, Kakamega, Meru and Nyeri suspended learning and warned parents about safety risks and transport disruptions.
In Eldoret, commuters walked long distances after matatus disappeared from roads early Monday morning.
“There were no vehicles from 5 a.m.,” said Eunice Jepchirchir, a university student in Eldoret. “Some students decided not to go to school at all.”
In Meru, anti-riot police patrolled parts of the town centre as transport activity slowed sharply.
“We support the strike because fuel is affecting every household,” said trader David Muriuki in Meru.
In Kakamega, Kisii and Nyeri, residents reported sporadic protests and significantly reduced traffic.
The National Police Service said security had been heightened nationwide and warned against disruption of public order.
Most transport stakeholders are participating in the strike, with commuters in several towns reporting widespread paralysis.
Kenya’s fuel prices hit record highs last week, with diesel prices jumping sharply in the latest monthly review.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned that the higher fuel prices would sharply increase the cost of goods and services across East Africa’s largest economy.
The protests revived memories of the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations that shook President William Ruto’s government and led to deadly clashes between protesters and security forces.
Stay ahead of the stories shaping our world. Subscribe to Impact Newswire for timely, curated insights on global tech, business, and innovation all in one place.
Dive deeper into the future with the Cause Effect 4.0 Podcast, where we explore the ideas, trends, and technologies driving the global AI conversation.
Got a story to share? Pitch it to us at info@impactnews-wire.com and reach the right audience worldwide
Discover more from Impact Newswire
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
