Thousands of commuters were stranded across Kenya on Monday as public transport operators launched a nationwide strike against soaring fuel prices, bringing major cities to a standstill and disrupting businesses, schools and supply chains.
Large sections of the capital Nairobi saw empty roads as matatus — the minibuses that form the backbone of Kenya’s public transport network — stayed off the streets. Many commuters were forced to walk long distances to work, while some schools advised students to remain at home.
The strike has also sparked protests in several parts of the country, with demonstrators blocking roads, burning tyres and erecting barricades.
The action comes days after Kenyan authorities raised petroleum prices by more than 20%, pushing fuel costs to record highs and intensifying an already severe cost-of-living crisis.
Kenya, like many African countries, relies heavily on fuel imports from Gulf suppliers. Global supply disruptions linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, which erupted on Feb. 28, have contributed to rising costs. Although a ceasefire has since been declared, fuel prices have remained elevated as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil trade — remains disrupted.
At bus stations across Nairobi, commuters reported being unable to find transport or facing sharply increased fares.
“There is no matatu anywhere. We used to pay 100 to 150 shillings, now it’s 300. Life is becoming unbearable,” a commuter identified as Charles told Reuters from Kitengela, on Nairobi’s outskirts.
Transport disruptions extended beyond the capital. A bus conductor travelling from Tanzania said roadblocks prevented vehicles from reaching Nairobi, leaving passengers stranded in Kajiado, around 75 km south of the city.
“The bus was full. Many passengers were travelling for work and business. People are stranded and frustrated because transport has been disrupted,” he told the BBC.
Cross-border trade was also affected. Abdi Suleiman, a motorist operating in Taveta near the Tanzanian border, said he could not deliver food supplies sourced from Tanzania because of the strike.
Police clashed with protesters in Nairobi and other areas, using tear gas to disperse crowds amid reports that some demonstrators were stopping and harassing motorists.
Authorities had warned against disruption before the strike and said security measures would be in place.
The strike was coordinated by the Transport Sector Alliance (TSA), which urged public transport operators, truck drivers and even private motorists to stay off the roads.
“This action is not only for transport operators, but for every Kenyan citizen,” the group said.
The alliance accused the government of failing to shield citizens from rising fuel costs and called for last week’s price hikes to be reversed, while demanding a roughly 35% reduction in fuel prices.
Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) last week raised diesel and petrol prices to as high as 242 Kenyan shillings per litre.
Treasury Minister John Mbadi acknowledged the economic impact of rising fuel prices but criticised the strike.
“The increase in fuel prices is unfortunate,” Mbadi told local broadcaster NTV, adding that the government would respond with “informed and not emotional” decisions.
“Why are we trying to solve a global problem using domestic means?” he asked.
Rising fuel costs have triggered increases in food prices and transport fares, deepening pressure on households. The government last month cut VAT on fuel from 16% to 8% until July, but unions and transport operators say more measures are needed.