Kenya Red Cross has reported widespread disruption across major transport routes following a nationwide strike by transport operators protesting high fuel prices.

In a statement on X, the agency said movement had been affected in several parts of the country as the strike took hold. It noted that the action has hit both public and private transport systems, with delays and blockages reported in key urban and rural corridors.

“Movement has been disrupted in several parts of the country following a nationwide transport sector strike linked to fuel price increases,” Kenya Red Cross said. It added that the situation affected Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Kisumu, Embu, Murang’a, and Makueni counties.

The agency also highlighted specific hotspots where transport was heavily affected. These include Thika Road, Kitengela, Rongai, Machakos Junction, and North Airport Road. According to the Red Cross, the disruptions have affected public transport, taxis, boda bodas and cargo movement across these routes.

Strike kicks off

The strike began in the early hours of Monday after transport operators across the country withdrew services in protest. The action involved matatu operators, boda boda riders, truck drivers, and ride-hailing operators, who say rising fuel prices have made operations unsustainable.

In Nairobi, the impact was immediate. Sections of Thika Road at Roysambu were barricaded using stones and burning tyres, bringing traffic to a standstill. Motorists were forced to turn back or take alternative routes as congestion built up on feeder roads.

Similar scenes were reported in Kitengela and Rongai, where public transport vehicles stayed off the roads. Cargo transport also slowed, with reports of delayed deliveries affecting businesses and markets in Nairobi and surrounding towns.

Schools in some areas were forced to adjust operations after transport services failed to show up. Parents opted to keep children at home, while others walked long distances to reach workplaces.

Fuel costs fuel protest

The Transport Sector Alliance, which called for the strike, said operators are reacting to what they term ‘unsustainable fuel costs’. The group brings together different players in the transport industry, including matatu SACCOs, boda boda associations, and freight operators.

They argue that recent fuel price increases have pushed up the cost of living and made daily operations difficult. Some operators say they are running at a loss or considering shutting down routes if the situation does not change.

The strike has also attracted political and public figures. Gospel musician and activist Reuben Kigame backed the action, saying transport workers are under heavy pressure.

“Malori, mabasi, transporters wa shule, pikipiki, matatu, na kila mtu anaumia kwa sababu ya bei ya mafuta kwenda juu,” he said in a video message.

The government has defended its position, with National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi saying fuel price increases are driven by global factors beyond Kenya’s control. He said the state has already introduced measures such as VAT reductions and fuel stabilisation efforts to cushion consumers.

“In my view, the strike is completely uncalled for,” Mbadi said in a television interview. “We are trying to manage a global shock with domestic tools.”

He added that subsidies and tax adjustments have cost the government billions of shillings and warned that fiscal limits make further intervention difficult.

Despite this, transport operators maintain that the current cost of fuel is unsustainable and have vowed to continue with the strike until their demands are addressed.

Kenya Red Cross said it is closely monitoring the situation as it evolves.