Sello Lentsoane, NNA News | Nairobi, Kenya 

Kenya on Tuesday announced a one-week suspension of a nationwide public transport strike following protests over rising fuel prices that left four people dead and disrupted transport and schools across parts of the country.

The strike began on Monday after transport operators protested against recent fuel price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

Public transport services were disrupted in Nairobi and other major towns as demonstrations spread across parts of the East African country.

People make their way along a road blocked by barricades during demonstrations in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, May 18, 2026. (Photo by Allan Mutiso, NNA News)

Speaking during a joint media briefing in Nairobi, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen said the temporary suspension would allow further consultations between the government and transport stakeholders.

“The government remains fully committed to addressing concerns raised by Kenyans at all times and calls for peaceful and legal means of airing grievances,” Murkomen said.

The Transport Sector Alliance, which organised the strike, later called on its members to resume operations nationwide while discussions continue.

The protests followed EPRA’s announcement on 14 May that fuel prices would increase, with super petrol rising by 16.65 Kenyan shillings per litre and diesel increasing by 46.29 shillings.

Policemen beef up security during demonstrations in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, May 18, 2026. (Photo by John Okoyo, NNA News) 

According to EPRA, the increases were driven by rising global crude oil prices and supply chain disruptions linked to tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The latest increases have added pressure on transport costs and operating expenses across Kenya.

The government said consultations with transport stakeholders would continue over the next week as authorities attempt to prevent further disruptions.