Transport strike in Kenya halted following violent demonstrations

Kenya Suspends Nationwide Transport Strike Amid Protests Over Fuel Price Hikes

A nationwide transport strike in Kenya, sparked by recent fuel price increases blamed on the US-Israeli war on Iran, has been suspended for a week. The strike, launched by transport operators on Monday, was called in response to the latest sharp fuel price hike.

According to reports, Kenya raised petrol prices by 20 percent and diesel by almost 40 percent since Iran blocked traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint that handles about a fifth of the world’s oil. The move has affected the country’s reliance on fuel imports from the Gulf.

The strike was suspended after four people were killed in mass protests against the increases, with more than 30 injured nationwide on Monday. Authorities reported over 700 arrests in connection with the protests, while rights groups condemned the use of lethal force by security forces.

Kenya’s main trade corridor was disrupted as truck drivers refused to move cargo amid fears their vehicles could be attacked and set alight by demonstrators. The national energy regulator had previously announced a $38.5m spending measure to cushion consumers from rising diesel and kerosene costs.

In response to the unrest, authorities have taken emergency measures, including temporarily suspending fuel quality standards to maintain supplies amid growing shortages. Kenya’s economy remains dynamic, but it also faces deep structural inequalities, with about a third of its population living in poverty and unemployment remaining high.

Source: Al Jazeera