Kenya has suspended a nationwide public transport strike for one week following deadly protests triggered by sharp increases in fuel prices linked to global supply disruptions, the government said on Tuesday.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the suspension would allow further negotiations between the government and transport operators after talks on Monday failed to reach an agreement.
The announcement came a day after four people were killed and dozens injured in protests across the country, as anger mounted over rising fuel costs and the impact on transport fares and the cost of living.
Public transport operators had begun the strike on Monday, disrupting bus and minibus services nationwide and leaving thousands of commuters stranded in major cities including Nairobi.
On Tuesday morning, many workers were still forced to walk long distances or pay significantly higher fares as limited transport services resumed in some areas.
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Murkomen said the government had made progress in negotiations, including agreement in principle to reduce diesel prices, but added that further consultations were needed to reach a comprehensive deal.
Fuel price hikes in Kenya have surged in recent months, driven by global supply pressures linked to the conflict in Iran, which has tightened oil flows from the Middle East.
Kenya imports nearly all of its petroleum products from the region through government-to-government agreements with Gulf suppliers, making domestic prices highly sensitive to international market shocks.
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The latest increases have significantly raised transport costs, pushing up prices of basic goods and deepening pressure on households already struggling with high inflation and stagnant wages.
Bus operators say rising operating costs have made routes increasingly unprofitable, while commuters have complained of steep fare increases and reduced mobility.
The strike suspension is expected to ease immediate pressure on transport networks, but uncertainty remains over whether a long-term agreement can be reached once talks resume.
Analysts say the crisis highlights the vulnerability of import-dependent economies to global energy shocks, particularly in countries where transport costs are closely tied to fuel price movements.
The situation also underscores broader economic tensions in Kenya, where rising living costs have triggered repeated public unrest in recent years.
