Nairobi, Kenya — Thousands of commuters in Kenya were forced to trek long distances to work and school following a nationwide public transport strike triggered by rising fuel prices, as President William Ruto embarked on official visits abroad.
The strike, which began on Monday, disrupted movement across major cities, particularly Nairobi, where commuters abandoned roads such as Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Jogoo Road and Waiyaki Way due to the absence of public transport.
Operators under the Transport Sector Alliance, including matatu drivers, bus operators, truckers and boda boda riders, downed tools in protest against high fuel costs, with diesel selling at KSh 242.92 per litre and petrol at KSh 214.25 after the latest pricing review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The disruption forced some schools to shut down partially, while businesses recorded losses amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living.
Meanwhile, President Ruto had departed the country on Saturday for Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), where Kenya was recognised for progress in affordable housing and urban development.
During the visit, Ruto held bilateral talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on strengthening cooperation in energy, infrastructure, ICT and investment. He later proceeded to Astana, Kazakhstan, for a state visit focused on trade, logistics, energy, tourism and labour mobility.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the trips were aimed at boosting international partnerships and attracting foreign investment into Kenya.
However, the timing of the President’s foreign engagements amid domestic economic strain has sparked public debate over leadership priorities and the impact of rising fuel prices on citizens.
In a temporary reprieve, transport operators on Tuesday agreed to suspend the strike for one week following negotiations with the government, allowing room for further dialogue on fuel pricing and sector reforms.
Services are expected to resume gradually, though stakeholders warn that a lasting resolution will depend on concrete measures to address fuel costs and ease economic pressure on operators and commuters alike.
