Kenya strike over rising fuel prices suspended

A Kenyan transport strike triggered by rising fuel prices as a result of the Middle East war was paused on Tuesday after causing four deaths and major economic disruption, raising concerns about potential wider unrest across Africa. One of many African countries dependent on fuel imports from the Gulf, Kenya has hiked petrol prices by […]

A Kenyan transport strike triggered by rising fuel prices as a result of the Middle East war was paused on Tuesday after causing four deaths and major economic disruption, raising concerns about potential wider unrest across Africa.
One of many African countries dependent on fuel imports from the Gulf, Kenya has hiked petrol prices by 20 per cent and diesel by almost 40 per cent since Iran choked off traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil normally passes.
The transport sector, especially operators of the “matatu” buses that provide most public transport in Kenya, called the strike on Monday after another steep price rise last week. “The strike that is going on is suspended for a period of one week to provide an avenue for consultations and negotiations between the government and stakeholders,” interior minister Kipchumba Murkomen told reporters on Tuesday.
Albert Karakacha, the president of Matatu Owners Association, confirmed the suspension – although other representatives warned they would protest again if the negotiations were not serious.
Earlier in the day, while the strike was still on, Cornelius Chepsoi, chairman of the Rig Owners Association, told reporters they would not be satisfied by a political move “lowering the price of diesel by a very tiny margin”.
Analysts warned that soaring oil prices could be a sign of more protests across the continent.
Last week, rising fuel prices sparked protests in Comoros, paralysing the Indian Ocean nation, where one person was confirmed dead. “We think the unrest in Kenya is an early indicator of what could unfold elsewhere across the continent if elevated oil prices persist,” warned political analyst Jervin Naidoo.
“As the conflict in the Middle East enters its third month, the risk of further supply disruptions and sustained price increases remains high.”