Kenya is experiencing a nationwide transport crisis as public vehicle operators have staged a coordinated strike to protest escalating fuel costs. The disruption has left thousands of commuters stranded, shuttered businesses, and schools closing doors as schools asked students to remain at home. Major roads in Nairobi, the capital, are largely gridlocked, forcing some residents to walk long distances to work or school. Protesters have blocked key routes with burning tires and makeshift barricades, leading to over 200 arrests by authorities.

The strike follows a sharp increase in fuel prices, which have surged by more than 20% in recent days. Kenya, heavily dependent on imported fuel from the Gulf region, faces supply challenges exacerbated by ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Though a ceasefire has been declared in the US-Israel conflict with Iran, fuel costs remain elevated as oil transit through the critical chokepoint remains unstable. Passengers in Nairobi reported fares jumping from 100-150 shillings to 300 shillings per trip, with many stranded at bus stops or forced to abandon journeys altogether. A bus conductor from Tanzania described how his vehicle was halted in Kajiado, 75 kilometers from Nairobi, leaving passengers without access to the city.

Government officials have condemned the strike as ‘unnecessary,’ arguing that rising fuel prices are a global issue beyond domestic control. Treasury Minister John Mbadi acknowledged the economic strain caused by high fuel costs but emphasized that price hikes were a response to international market conditions. He suggested further tax relief might be considered if global prices persist, though no concrete agreements have been reached with transport operators. The Transport Sector Alliance (TSA), representing drivers and operators, has accused the government of failing to protect citizens from the cost-of-living crisis, demanding a 35% reduction in fuel prices. Meanwhile, police used tear gas to disperse protesters in Nairobi, resulting in injuries to six officers and damage to multiple vehicles.

The crisis has ripple effects beyond transport, with businesses reliant on logistics facing operational halts and food suppliers reporting delivery delays. While the government implemented a temporary VAT reduction on fuel last month, stakeholders argue it is insufficient. With no resolution in sight, fears grow that the strike could persist, deepening Kenya’s economic challenges amid broader regional instability.