A nationwide transport strike paralyzed major towns and cities across Kenya on Monday after public transport operators withdrew their vehicles to protest a severe hike in fuel prices. Organized by the Transport Sector Alliance, the coordinated shutdown grounded buses, matatus, trucks, and ride-hailing services, leaving millions of commuters stranded and forcing thousands to walk to work.
The crisis intensified after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority reviewed pump prices, pushing super petrol above KSh 214 per litre and diesel to nearly KSh 243 per litre. Authorities attributed the sudden surge to global oil price fluctuations triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Transport operators responded by demanding an immediate rollback of pump prices, the return of fuel subsidies, and a reduction in fuel taxes
The strike affected at least 29 counties, with major arteries like the Thika Superhighway, Waiyaki Way, and Mombasa Road falling completely silent. Security forces deployed heavily to clear barricades of burning tires and stones, resulting in clashes that left four people dead and 348 arrested. Private motorists and motorcycle riders exploited the crisis by doubling or tripling passenger fares.
“The current fuel pricing structure is entirely unsustainable for transport operators and ordinary citizens alike,” said Albert Mwangi, the Chairperson of the Transport Sector Alliance. “We cannot continue operating at a loss while the government increases taxes on basic energy inputs, which forces us to ground our fleets.”
The transport paralysis forced several schools to suspend learning as students failed to secure travel, while businesses reported extensive revenue losses due to low staff turnout. In response, the Ministry of Transport convened an emergency session with industry leaders to mitigate the escalating economic damage. Officials urged operators to restore services while the government reviews potential fiscal interventions.
