Kenya on Tuesday announced a one-week suspension of a nationwide public transport strike following protests over soaring fuel prices that left four people dead.
Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen (Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Roads and Transport) said the temporary suspension would allow further consultations between the Government and transport stakeholders. He urged citizens to use peaceful and lawful means to express grievances.
The strike, which began on Monday, disrupted public transport services and affected schools across major towns in the country. The Transport Sector Alliance has since directed members to resume operations nationwide.
The unrest followed a fuel price increase announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority on May 14, which raised petrol prices by 16.65 shillings per litre and diesel by a record 46.29 shillings.
Authorities attributed the increases to rising global crude oil prices and supply chain disruptions linked to tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.