Kenya Ends Transport Strike Plans After Fresh Diesel Price Cut

Mintesinot Nigussie

A planned strike by Kenya’s public transport operators has been withdrawn after the government announced a further reduction in diesel prices. President William Ruto said diesel would be reduced by 10 Kenyan shillings per litre in the June–July pricing cycle.

The latest cut follows an earlier 10-shilling reduction introduced after an initial two-day strike that paralysed parts of Nairobi and led to clashes. Before the adjustments, diesel prices had risen by 23.5 percent.

Industry representatives confirmed the cancellation of the planned strike after meeting with the president. The government has spent at least 28.1 billion Kenyan shillings between April and June to stabilise fuel prices.

Ruto said the interventions were necessary to cushion consumers amid rising living costs. The cost of these subsidies adds pressure to public finances, where debt servicing already accounts for a large share of ordinary revenue.

The president has faced repeated public protests over living costs. In 2024, nationwide demonstrations forced the withdrawal of planned tax increases.

The government-to-government fuel supply agreements signed in 2023 with Middle Eastern partners have helped secure supplies despite global shocks.