Nationwide Transport Strike Sparks Chaos in Nairobi Amid Rising Fuel Prices
Nairobi descended into chaos on Monday as protests over soaring fuel prices erupted into violence, causing widespread disruptions across Kenya’s capital and its outskirts. The nationwide transport strike, led by public service vehicle (PSV) operators, escalated into scenes of vandalism, road blockades, and clashes between protesters and police, leaving thousands stranded and major highways paralyzed.
The Thika Superhighway, one of Nairobi’s busiest transport corridors, bore the brunt of the unrest. Protesters set tires ablaze, barricaded sections of the road, and engaged in running battles with law enforcement. Thick plumes of smoke billowed from Githurai and Kenyatta Road, where at least one private vehicle was torched and several others vandalized. Motorists were forced to make abrupt U-turns or abandon their journeys altogether, while public transport operators and boda boda riders scrambled to find alternative routes.
Kiambu County Commissioner George Matundura confirmed a heavy security deployment along Thika Road and the Western Bypass to restore order and protect motorists. “Our teams are on the ground to ensure safety and reopen blocked routes,” Matundura stated, emphasizing that authorities are working to prevent further escalation.
The strike, organized by the Transport Sector Alliance, has drawn participation from matatu operators, truckers, boda boda associations, and private motorists. Protesters argue that record-high fuel prices have made transport operations unsustainable, crippling their livelihoods. Major PSV firms suspended services on Monday, leaving Nairobi and several towns across Kenya at a standstill.
The disruption transformed Nairobi into what commuters described as a “walking city.” Deserted bus stages and eerily quiet transport corridors became the norm, with long queues of stranded passengers seeking alternative transport. Workers, traders, and students who rely on Thika Road for daily commutes faced significant delays, compounding frustrations over the already strained transport system.
Similar scenes unfolded in other counties, though authorities reported mixed outcomes. In Meru, police cleared barricades along the Nkubu-Thingithu-Uruku Road and the Meru-Embu Highway, restoring traffic flow. Mombasa authorities contained an attempted tire-burning incident along Old Malindi Road, ensuring normal operations on the Mombasa-Malindi highway. County Commissioner Mohamed Hassan praised boda boda and tuk tuk operators for maintaining transport services despite the nationwide strike.
In Samburu County, matatu operators in Maralal suspended services in solidarity with the protest, partially disrupting transport operations. County Commissioner Isaac Cheruiyot assured residents that authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent escalation. Meanwhile, in Nandi County, police prevented attempts to disrupt movement along the Kapsabet-Chavakali Road and within Kapsabet Town, allowing public transport to continue smoothly.
The strike highlights growing public discontent over the rising cost of fuel and living, intensifying pressure on the government to address the crisis. Transport Sector Alliance representatives argue that escalating fuel prices have made it impossible for operators to maintain affordable fares while sustaining their businesses.
As the protests continue, commuters remain caught in the crossfire, grappling with disrupted routines and mounting frustrations. Authorities have urged calm while assuring the public that measures are being taken to restore order and protect citizens. However, with tensions still simmering, the strike’s impact on Kenya’s transport sector and economy remains uncertain.
— Reported by Nexio News
