Public Rage Over High Fuel Prices Threatens Economic Paralysis

The Kenyan government is attempting to quell mass transport workers’ strikes that had paralysed economic activity in several major cities, following citizen protests demanding lower fuel prices which led to riots and fatalities. According to BBC International, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen announced a temporary agreement to halt the strike after consultations with public transport representatives. He stated the government would engage in higher-level negotiations within the next week to resolve the energy price issue. “We have achieved a breakthrough not because we are satisfied, but because we want to give negotiations a chance,” said Edwin Mukabane, National Chairman of the Public Transport Sector Federation, as reported by BBC on Sunday, 24 May 2026. The two-day protests left Nairobi and other cities in paralysis, with schools and businesses forced to close. Police reported four deaths, 30 injuries, and over 700 arrests during the nationwide demonstrations involving road blockades. “If this is not addressed seriously within seven days, the strike will resume,” added Mukabane. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Energy Ministry had previously announced a policy to reduce diesel prices to 242 shillings (approximately £1.20 per litre) to ease consumer burdens, but local energy regulators have kept petrol prices at 214 shillings (around £1.06 per litre), which transport operators still deem too high. Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi stated the government remains sensitive to fuel consumers’ plight and thanked transport operators for suspending the strike. He acknowledged that current domestic price pressures stem from global supply chain disruptions. It is worth noting that fuel price hikes in Kenya and many African nations are driven by Middle East conflicts disrupting distribution routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite a ceasefire agreement, global oil prices remain high due to ongoing blockades on a route supplying one-fifth of the world’s oil. Higher-level negotiations will take place next week,” concluded Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen.