By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Commercial and social activities in Kenya were brought to a standstill on Monday as protests erupted in the capital, Nairobi during a nationwide public transport strike over soaring fuel prices and the rising cost of living.
Commuters were stranded across the capital as demonstrators burned tires on major roads, forcing many motorists to stay home.
Several schools switched to online learning over safety concerns, prompting education officials to advise parents and school administrators to monitor the situations before sending children to class.
“This government has been frustrating us,” a protester Brighton Kombo was quoted as saying. “Fuel prices have gone up, and life has become increasingly expensive. Our livelihoods have been badly affected. The cost of living is now unbearable.”
The unrest follows a sharp increase in fuel prices announced on Friday. Diesel rose by 23.5 percent, while petrol increased by 8 percent, pushing pump prices to record highs in recent years.
“We are struggling with the high cost of living,” another protester, Hesbon Manyura stated. “We can barely afford food or clothing. We are praying that God will help us and that the situation will improve.”
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned that the higher fuel costs will drive up the price of goods and services nationwide, adding pressure to households and businesses.
President William Ruto, who is currently out of the country, has not made any official statement on the latest price hikes.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua blamed the increase on corruption and questioned why fuel remains more expensive in Kenya than in neighbouring Uganda, despite Kenya serving as the region’s main import hub through the Port of Mombasa.
In 2025, youth-led demonstrations erupted rom June to July, caused by the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang in police. It was further exacerbated by public discontent over rising living costs, alleged government corruption, and police brutality.
These events built on the momentum of the 2024 Kenya Finance Bill protests, where demonstrations against proposed tax hikes led to 65 deaths and the storming of Parliament on 25 June 2024,
