Kenya's Streets in Chaos: Fuel Price Hikes Ignite Protests and Strikes

Fuel price hikes, driven by the Iran war, have sparked widespread protests in Kenya. A nationwide transport strike has disrupted daily life, with increased fuel costs also elevating the prices of basic goods. The government is in talks with transport operators to find a resolution.

Protests ignited by the Iran war's impact on fuel prices erupted across multiple Kenyan towns on Monday, leading to a nationwide transport strike that left commuters stranded and many forced to walk to work. The Transport Sector Alliance announced Sunday that its member association vehicles halted operations in protest of the latest price surge, as police prepared to contain potential disruptions.

Kenya's Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority had raised retail fuel prices by 23.5%, following a 24.2% increase the previous month, as the Middle Eastern conflict tightened global oil and gas supplies. On Monday morning, striking transport operators blocked roads into Nairobi, wielding a significant impact by disrupting key routes and trapping many commuters.

In Mombasa, fears of supply-chain delays loomed large due to the strike. Finance Minister John Mbadi expressed hopes of meeting with public transport operators to devise a solution, noting current prices are subsidized. Nearly all of Kenya's fuel imports come through government agreements with Gulf suppliers, significantly raising transport fares and further straining households amid rising living costs.