Kenya has been brought to a standstill by deadly protests and strikes following a 23.5 percent fuel price increase driven by supply disruptions from the Gulf conflict, exposing the vulnerability of African economies dependent on Middle Eastern energy imports.
At least seven people have been killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other major cities, according to Deutsche Welle. Transport unions have launched nationwide strikes, bringing public services to a halt and preventing goods from reaching markets.
"We cannot afford to live," said James Muriithi, a Nairobi matatu driver who joined protests blocking major highways. "The government raised fuel prices but our wages stay the same. How do we feed our families?"
The immediate trigger was the Kenyan government's decision to remove fuel subsidies and allow prices to rise in response to the soaring cost of imported petroleum. Kenya, like many African nations, imports nearly all its fuel from Gulf producers, and the conflict involving Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have caused global energy prices to spike.
To understand today's headlines, we must look at yesterday's decisions. Kenya has long struggled with the economic vulnerability created by total dependence on imported fuel. Previous governments promised to develop renewable energy alternatives and reduce the country's exposure to global oil price volatility, but progress has been slow and the energy mix remains dominated by fossil fuels.
The current crisis in the Gulf, which began with escalating tensions between and the and intensified with military strikes in February, initially closed the entirely. Though shipping has partially resumed, insurance costs have soared and many tanker operators remain reluctant to transit the waterway, constraining supply and driving up prices.
