Fuel Price Hike Sparks Deadly Protests Across Kenya

Fuel Price Hike Sparks Deadly Protests Across Kenya

Fresh protests erupted across Kenya on Monday as transport workers and residents took to the streets over rising fuel prices, with reports indicating that several people were killed during clashes with security operatives.

The demonstrations followed recent increases in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which raised retail fuel prices by up to 23.5 percent this month after an earlier 24.2 percent increase last month.

The hike has triggered widespread anger among transport operators, commuters, and low-income earners already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Protesters blocked major roads, burned tyres, and disrupted movement in parts of Nairobi and other cities, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and forcing many residents to trek long distances to work.

Security agencies responded with teargas and other crowd-control measures as clashes intensified in several locations.

Transport workers said the increase in diesel prices had severely affected their businesses, with operators claiming they now lose more than 30,000 Kenyan shillings monthly per vehicle due to rising operating costs.

According to the operators, repeated appeals to the government over the impact of the fuel hikes had yielded little response, prompting the nationwide action.

The latest crisis has renewed concerns over Africa’s dependence on imported fuel and the vulnerability of many economies to global energy market disruptions, particularly amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East affecting oil and gas supplies worldwide.

Economic analysts warn that continued increases in fuel prices could further worsen inflation, transportation costs, and social tensions in the East African nation.

Fuel Price Hike Sparks Deadly Protests Across Kenya