Thousands of Kenyans were left stranded on Monday after a nationwide transport strike paralysed movement across major towns and cities, with public service vehicles (PSVs), boda bodas, taxis, and cargo transporters suspending operations in protest against soaring fuel prices.
The strike, which began early in the morning, affected key areas including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Thika, forcing commuters to walk long distances to work, school, and business premises. Roads that are usually packed with matatus remained unusually quiet, while crowds of frustrated wananchi gathered at bus stops hoping to find alternative means of transport.
In Nairobi, sections of Thika Road near Roysambu were barricaded with stones and burning tyres, causing heavy traffic disruptions. Anti-riot police were deployed to monitor the demonstrations and maintain order in affected areas.
Transport operators blamed the latest fuel price hikes announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), saying the cost of running their businesses has become unbearable. According to the protesters, increasing fuel prices have also contributed to the rising cost of living, affecting millions of Kenyans.
Under the Transport Sector Alliance, stakeholders from different sectors, including matatu owners, boda boda riders, truck drivers, taxi operators, and driving schools, joined the strike demanding immediate action from the government.
Among their demands are lower fuel prices, reduction of fuel taxes and levies, greater transparency in fuel pricing, and reforms within EPRA. Protesters also called for action against alleged fuel cartels, they claim are contributing to the high prices.
The strike disrupted learning in some schools and affected businesses due to the delayed movement of workers and customers. Several political leaders and activists also voiced support for the protests, arguing that ordinary Kenyans are struggling under the pressure of high living costs.
As the demonstrations continue, attention now shifts to the government’s response to the growing public frustration over fuel prices and economic hardship.
The strike, which began early in the morning, affected key areas including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Thika, forcing commuters to walk long distances to work, school, and business premises. Roads that are usually packed with matatus remained unusually quiet, while crowds of frustrated wananchi gathered at bus stops hoping to find alternative means of transport.
In Nairobi, sections of Thika Road near Roysambu were barricaded with stones and burning tyres, causing heavy traffic disruptions. Anti-riot police were deployed to monitor the demonstrations and maintain order in affected areas.
Transport operators blamed the latest fuel price hikes announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), saying the cost of running their businesses has become unbearable. According to the protesters, increasing fuel prices have also contributed to the rising cost of living, affecting millions of Kenyans.
Under the Transport Sector Alliance, stakeholders from different sectors, including matatu owners, boda boda riders, truck drivers, taxi operators, and driving schools, joined the strike demanding immediate action from the government.
Among their demands are lower fuel prices, reduction of fuel taxes and levies, greater transparency in fuel pricing, and reforms within EPRA. Protesters also called for action against alleged fuel cartels, they claim are contributing to the high prices.
The strike disrupted learning in some schools and affected businesses due to the delayed movement of workers and customers. Several political leaders and activists also voiced support for the protests, arguing that ordinary Kenyans are struggling under the pressure of high living costs.
As the demonstrations continue, attention now shifts to the government’s response to the growing public frustration over fuel prices and economic hardship.
