Kenyan Transport Operators End Strike After Fuel Pledge

Kenyan transport operators called off a nationwide strike that was set to disrupt public transport services due to rising fuel prices. The strike was initiated after President William Ruto dismissed proposals to cut fuel taxes further, stating that a previous reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 16% to 8% had already led to significant revenue losses for the government.

The strike had sparked violent protests across the country, resulting in at least four fatalities and 30 injuries, with police reportedly firing live ammunition at demonstrators. Following negotiations on Friday, the government pledged to reduce diesel prices during the next monthly fuel price review scheduled for June.

Earlier in the week, protests had blocked highways and burned tires, preventing private vehicles from accessing roads and forcing businesses and schools to shut down. The transport operators announced they would not resume the strike after the government's commitment to address fuel pricing.