Kenya suspends strike after transport paralysis over high fuel prices
Kenyan minibus and taxi drivers suspended a national strike against fuel price hikes after a 48-hour transport paralysis. The government promised tax adjustments and a subsidy package. The Iran war's ripple through oil markets is still being felt across East Africa.
Kenyan drivers of matatu minibuses and taxis suspended a 48-hour national strike against sharp fuel price hikes on Tuesday. According to BBC Africa, the strike had largely halted transport in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, leaving students and healthcare workers unable to reach work. Driver unions demanded a temporary reduction in some taxes on imported fuel.
Kenya's Treasury said in a statement that the government will lower a fuel regulation fee on petrol and diesel over the next 30 days. The state will also pay a temporary subsidy package worth 3 billion shillings to drivers operating on public transport routes.
Pump prices in Kenya have risen by around 32% in the past 12 months because of the global oil shock linked to the Iran war. The driver unions said new action could follow next month if the package proves inadequate. Similar tensions are bubbling in other East African states; the Uganda drivers' union this week set a calendar of talks with its government.
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