Kenya suspends transport strike after deadly protests

Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary, Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, on Tuesday announced that the ongoing nationwide transport strike had been suspended for one week to allow consultations between the government and transport sector stakeholders.

The decision followed intense talks after negotiations aimed at resolving the standoff collapsed on Monday night.

At least four people were killed, and more than 30 were injured during Monday's nationwide protests and public transport strike, triggered by sharp increases in fuel prices.

Clashes broke out in several towns as protesters blocked roads, burned tires, and confronted police, who responded with tear gas. Public transport operators, particularly matatus (public minibuses), largely stayed off the roads, stranding commuters and disrupting business activities across multiple counties.

Following talks on Monday, the energy regulator lowered the cost of diesel by Ksh10 ($0.07), while negotiations continue to seek further reductions.

The strike, organized by matatu operators and motorists' associations protesting soaring fuel costs, paralyzed major cities including Nairobi and Mombasa after fuel prices surged to record highs last week, with operators warning that daily operations had become unaffordable for both them and commuters.

Diesel prices rose by about 23.5 percent during the April–May pricing cycle, amid broader fuel increases linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Kenya imports nearly all its fuel products from the Middle East through government-to-government deals with Gulf suppliers.

Fuel price hikes in the past two months have sharply raised transport fares and pushed up the cost of basic goods, deepening pressure on households already struggling to make ends meet.

The government in April cut VAT on fuel to 8% from 16% in an effort to cushion consumers and businesses.

The unrest marks the latest wave of protests linked to economic pressures in Kenya, following anti-tax demonstrations in 2024 that resulted in significantly higher casualties.

As of Tuesday morning, tensions remained high, with both government officials and civil society groups calling for calm and dialogue.