Widespread unrest has gripped parts of Kenya as demonstrators blocked major roads and disrupted public transport services on Monday. The protests are a direct response to a fresh spike in fuel prices, which authorities attribute to global supply pressures linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The disruptions began following a directive from the Transport Sector Alliance, which urged member associations to cease all operations starting from midnight. The move aimed to pressure the government to address the escalating cost of fuel, which has become a significant burden for transport operators and commuters alike.
According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, retail fuel prices were increased by up to 23.5% last week, following a previous monthly increase of 24.2%. These steep rises are linked to constraints in the global oil supply chain and rising international prices.
In the capital city of Nairobi, the impact was felt immediately. Commuters were left stranded as transport operators abandoned their routes and protesters barricaded arterial roads using debris and burning tires, leading to severe traffic congestion across the city. Security forces intervened in several areas, utilizing tear gas to disperse crowds and clear the roadways.
The economic strain is palpable for those on the front lines of the transport sector. Richard Ndoko, chairperson of the Ngong Road Online Drivers, highlighted the precarious financial position of many drivers. He noted that daily fuel expenditures have surged from approximately Ksh 2,000 (about $15.43) to Ksh 3,500 (about $27).
"We are asking the government to sort out fuel prices. It is already hard for us to repay our car loans," Ndoko stated, emphasizing that the current price levels leave drivers with almost no income at the end of the day.
As of now, transport operators have indicated that protests will continue until the government provides a viable solution to the fuel crisis, leaving the city's transport network in a state of uncertainty.
Reference(s):
Protests erupt in Kenya over fuel price hike, paralyzing transport
cgtn.com
