NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has warned that soaring fuel prices and the ongoing nationwide transport strike could plunge millions of Kenyans into deeper economic hardship if urgent interventions are not made.
In a strongly worded statement released amid the ongoing transport paralysis across the country, Odhiambo described fuel as the “backbone of movement, trade and access to services” and cautioned that rising costs were already destabilising livelihoods and businesses.
“Fuel is the backbone of movement, trade and access to services which keeps our economy active and fluid. When its price spikes, the effect is immediate. Transport costs rise. Food prices follow. Small businesses struggle to stay afloat,” she said.
Her remarks come as several parts of the country continue experiencing severe transport disruptions following a nationwide strike by motorists and public transport operators protesting recent fuel price increases.
The strike has affected movement in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Kisumu, Embu, Murang’a and Makueni counties, with major roads including Thika Road, North Airport Road, Kitengela and Rongai witnessing reduced traffic and stranded commuters.
Odhiambo warned that the combined impact of high fuel prices and transport disruption could cripple economic activity and intensify pressure on already struggling households.
“The nationwide transport strike is likely to disrupt supply chains, stall economic activity and paralyse urban and rural mobility alike,” she said.
She noted that workers were unable to access their workplaces, goods could fail to reach markets and essential services risked major delays if the situation persisted.
“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 added.
The former LSK boss urged the government to urgently engage stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
“We need sustainable, transparent and accountable interventions that stabilise fuel prices and protect livelihoods,” she said.
Odhiambo further warned that failure to address the crisis could expose millions of Kenyans to worsening economic difficulties and reduced access to essential services.
The nationwide strike has continued to disrupt public transport, taxi operations, boda boda movement and cargo transportation, leaving thousands of commuters stranded as operators demand government action over rising fuel costs.
