Kenya Fuel Price Hike Sparks Protests, Public Transport Strike Affects Commuters

(CNA, Nairobi, 18th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Affected by the Iran war, fuel prices in Kenya have risen, leading to protests in several towns today. The public transport sector has also launched a nationwide strike, forcing many commuters to walk to work.

According to Reuters, Kenya's Transport Sector Alliance announced yesterday that vehicles belonging to its member associations would be grounded from midnight to protest the latest fuel price hike. Police said they would take action to deal with any disruptive behavior.

Kenya's Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority last week increased retail fuel prices by up to 23.5%, following a 24.2% hike just last month, primarily due to the tightening of global oil and gas supplies caused by conflicts in the Middle East.

This morning, roads leading to the capital, Nairobi, were blocked by striking transport operators and scattered protesters.

In some areas, police fired tear gas, while some protesters burned tires to block major roads, exacerbating traffic congestion and leaving many commuters stranded.

In Kenya's main port city of Mombasa, the strike has also raised concerns about supply delays.

Finance Minister John Mbadi told Citizen TV that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy hope to meet with public transport operators later today to discuss a solution. He also noted that the current fuel prices are already subsidized.

Kenya imports almost all of its fuel products from the Middle East. This fuel price hike has caused transport costs to soar and has also pushed up the prices of basic goods, adding more pressure to households already struggling with the high cost of living.