Kenya Fuel Price Protests Erupt
Fuel price hikes in Kenya, driven by Middle East conflict, sparked nationwide protests and a transport strike, increasing living costs.
Lauren Collins ·
Kenya Fuel Price Protests Erupt
Protests erupted across several Kenyan towns on Monday, May 18, 2026, following significant fuel price hikes, leading to a nationwide public transport strike that stranded commuters. The unrest, which included blocked roads in Nairobi and other urban centers, was a direct response to increased retail fuel prices, which rose by 23.5% last week and 24.2% the previous month. These increases were attributed to the Middle East conflict, which has tightened global oil and gas supplies.
The Transport Sector Alliance initiated the strike at midnight, halting operations of affiliated vehicles. Police responded to disruptions by firing tear gas and clearing blocked roads where protesters had lit tires. The price adjustments set super petrol in Nairobi at 214.25 Kenyan shillings ($1.66) per liter, up from 206.97, and diesel at 242.92 shillings, up from 196.63, for the May 15-June 14 cycle.
The fuel price increases have elevated transport fares and the cost of basic goods, intensifying financial pressure on Kenyan households. Finance Minister John Mbadi indicated that the finance and energy ministries planned to meet with public transport operators to seek a resolution, noting that current prices already include subsidies. Kenya imports nearly all its fuel products from the Middle East through government-to-government agreements.