Transport across parts of Nairobi was brought to a standstill on Monday after angry youths barricaded roads and blocked private motorists in protests linked to soaring fuel prices and the rising cost of living.
The dawn strike triggered major disruption in the capital and several towns across the country, leaving thousands of commuters stranded as demonstrators mounted stones, burning tyres and makeshift barriers along key highways and estate access roads.
Witnesses reported chaotic scenes in several residential areas where groups of youths stopped private vehicles from entering affected neighbourhoods, forcing motorists to abandon journeys, seek alternative routes or remain stuck for hours in heavy traffic.
The protests erupted amid growing public anger over the sharp increase in fuel prices, which many Kenyans say has worsened the already crippling cost of transport, food and other essential commodities.
One frustrated commuter in Nairobi said: “People are tired. Every week prices keep going up but salaries remain the same. Transport has become unbearable for ordinary Kenyans.”
Motorists accused the government of failing to shield citizens from the economic pressure caused by rising fuel costs, warning that businesses and households are struggling to survive.
“The government has ignored the cries of wananchi for too long,” another driver claimed. “Fuel prices are affecting everything — from transport fares to food prices in the market.”
The strike paralysed movement in several parts of the city during the morning rush hour, with public service vehicles also affected as operators avoided routes considered unsafe due to the protests.
Security officers were deployed to some of the affected areas in an attempt to restore order and clear blocked roads as tensions continued to rise.
The demonstrations come at a time when concerns over the economy and the rising cost of living are dominating public debate across Kenya, with many citizens demanding urgent government intervention to ease pressure on households.
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