A nationwide transport strike in Kenya has been suspended for one week following violent protests over rising fuel prices that left at least four people dead and dozens injured.
The strike, led mainly by public transport operators known as “matatus,” was triggered by sharp increases in fuel costs, which operators say have made transport operations unsustainable. The protests quickly escalated into clashes in several parts of the country.
Kenya’s Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the suspension, saying it would allow time for consultations between government officials and transport stakeholders. The President of the Matatu Owners Association, Albert Karakacha, also confirmed the decision.
Authorities say the unrest has so far left four people dead and more than 30 injured, while over 700 protesters have been arrested in connection with the violence. Security agencies have been deployed across key cities to restore order.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have condemned the use of force by security operatives and called for restraint as tensions remain high.
The protests come amid rising fuel prices in Kenya, which authorities say have increased significantly in recent weeks due to global supply disruptions affecting oil imports. The national energy regulator says the government has spent millions of dollars to cushion consumers from rising diesel and kerosene costs.
The unrest also disrupted major transport and trade routes, with reports that truck drivers suspended operations due to safety concerns, further affecting supply chains across the country.
Despite being one of East Africa’s largest economies, Kenya continues to face economic pressures, including inflation, unemployment, and widespread poverty affecting a significant portion of the population.
Authorities say negotiations with transport operators will continue during the suspension period in a bid to prevent further escalation.
