NAIROBI, Kenya — A severe transport crisis paralyzed major routes across Kenya today, May 18, 2026, as the Kenya Matatu Association staged massive nationwide protests over unbearable fuel prices.
The demonstrations left thousands of commuters stranded, shutting down public transit and sparking widespread anger.
Facing intense public pressure to intervene, the government has broke its silence, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki explicitly addressing why pump prices will not come down anytime soon.
Speaking on the worsening crisis, Deputy President Kindiki defended the administration against mounting local blame, categorizing the current fuel shock as an external, global issue beyond domestic control.
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He specifically pointed to the ongoing war involving the United States and Iran, which has severely disrupted crude oil supplies from the Persian Gulf and forced global energy markets to multi-year highs.
“The cost of fuel, insurance, and shipping has increased sharply because of the war in Iran,” Kindiki stated, adding that the closure of critical maritime chokepoints has triggered an unprecedented international energy squeeze.
Kindiki noted that while the state has previously applied interventions—including slashing VAT on fuel from 16% to 8% and deploying billions in stabilization funds—the sheer scale of the global conflict makes local price reductions nearly impossible for the time being.
According to the Deputy President, pump prices would have already soared past Sh400 per litre without these government buffers.
The second-in-command urged the public and the transport sector to remain patient and avoid violent demonstrations, warning that economic sabotage would not solve geopolitical realities.
He delivered a sobering reality check to a frustrated nation: until the devastating conflict in the Middle East concludes and global supply lines stabilize, Kenyans must brace themselves for high fuel costs at least for the foreseeable future.
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