Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo has warned that rising fuel prices and the ongoing nationwide transport strike could trigger a deeper economic and social crisis if urgent action is not taken.
The strike, led by a coalition of transport stakeholders including the Matatu Owners Association, Motorists Association of Kenya and the Transport Alliance, was triggered by the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority that sharply increased petrol and diesel costs.
In a statement, Odhiambo said fuel remains central to the country’s economy, warning that any sharp increase in prices has an immediate effect on transport, trade and access to essential services.
“The ongoing strike by the motorists’ association is a warning signal of the fragility of our economic stability amid high fuel costs. The nationwide transport strike is likely to disrupt supply chains, stall economic activity and paralyse urban and rural mobility alike,” Odhiambo said.
Transport operators say the increase in fuel prices has made operations unsustainable. In Nairobi, Super Petrol now retails at Ksh214.25 per litre while diesel has risen to KSh242.92 per litre following the latest EPRA review.
Across Nairobi and other urban centres, commuters have reported transport delays and fluctuating fares as some operators stayed off the roads while others attempted to cope with rising operational costs.
“Workers are unable to reach their jobs. Goods will fail to reach markets. Emergency and essential services would face delays,” she added.
Odhiambo warned that the combined impact of rising fuel costs and transport disruptions could worsen the situation for already struggling households and businesses.
“The combined effect of high fuel prices and a transport shutdown risks pushing already strained households and businesses to the brink. This is how economic pressure quickly becomes a social crisis,” she said.
She called on the government to urgently engage stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors to address the crisis and protect livelihoods.
“I urge the Government to engage urgently and meaningfully with stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors. We need sustainable, transparent and accountable interventions that stabilise fuel prices and protect livelihoods,” she said.
“Failure to act will expose millions of Kenyans to deepening economic hardship and reduced access to essential services,” she added.
