At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the country to a standstill.
Kenya’s Interior Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, said more than 30 people were also injured in violence that erupted across several towns on Monday.
The unrest followed a strike by transport operators, who halted services from midnight in protest against rising fuel costs, stranding commuters and blocking key roads.
In the capital, Nairobi, roads were obstructed by striking drivers and groups of protesters, with some demonstrations turning confrontational. Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds, while protesters burned tyres, worsening traffic congestion and leaving many unable to reach work or school.
In the port city of Mombasa, the strike raised concerns over potential supply chain delays, highlighting the wider economic impact of the disruption.
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority raised fuel prices last week by up to 23.5%, following a previous increase of 24.2% the month before. The rises have been linked to global supply pressures stemming from conflict in the Middle East.
The price of petrol in Nairobi has climbed to more than 214 Kenyan shillings per litre, while diesel has risen sharply to nearly 243 shillings.
Kenya imports most of its fuel from the Middle East, and the increases have pushed up transport fares and the cost of basic goods, placing additional strain on households already grappling with the high cost of living.
Many Kenyans say the rising fuel costs are having a direct impact on everyday life. Gabriel Odhiambo, a public relations worker, said his transport expenses had doubled, while food prices had surged. He noted that the cost of four tomatoes had tripled in recent weeks.
Residents say the effects go beyond transport. Liberata Wambui told AnewZ that the strike had exposed how deeply fuel price rises affect ordinary citizens.
“Many children were unable to go to school because parents could not find affordable or reliable transport,” she said. “Some schools recorded very low attendance, while others had to adjust their schedules because both students and teachers struggled to commute.”
She added that businesses had also been hit, with shops closing, workers unable to report for duty, and many small enterprises losing a day’s income. Streets that are usually busy were noticeably quieter as people chose to stay at home rather than face high transport costs.
Murkomen said ministers from the finance, transport and energy ministries were due to meet transport operators in an effort to resolve the crisis.
Earlier, Finance Minister John Mbadi said current fuel prices were already being subsidised, a claim that has done little to ease public frustration.
Many citizens say the government has failed to respond adequately to rising costs, arguing that fuel price increases are now affecting not only transport, but also education, businesses and everyday life across the country.
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