A nationwide public transport strike and widespread protests erupted across Kenya on Monday following steep fuel price increases linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran. Last week, Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority raised retail fuel prices by up to 23.5%, following a 24.2% hike the previous month. In protest, the Transport Sector Alliance suspended operations from midnight, leaving commuters stranded and forcing many to walk to work. Some transport operators blocked roads into Nairobi, worsening congestion. The protests forced Finance Minister John Mbadi to call for emergency negotiations with transport syndicates while noting that current prices were already subsidized. The price surge has driven up transport fares and food costs, with one Nairobi resident reporting his commuting expenses had doubled and the price of basic food items had tripled.
Reuters
