Former LSK President Faith Odhiambo has warned that rising fuel prices and the ongoing nationwide motorists’ strike could push millions of Kenyans into deeper economic hardship if urgent action is not taken.
In a written statement, Odhiambo described fuel as the backbone of movement, trade and access to essential services, warning that any sharp increase in prices immediately ripples through the wider economy.
According to her, the impact is already being felt across households and businesses as transport costs rise, food prices increase and small enterprises struggle to remain operational.
“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,” she said.
She noted that for ordinary Kenyans, the situation is quickly becoming unsustainable, with many families now forced to choose between transport, food and other basic necessities.
Transport Strike Raises Economic Pressure
Odhiambo said the ongoing strike by the motorists’ association is exposing the fragility of Kenya’s economic stability amid persistently high fuel costs.
The nationwide transport disruption is expected to affect supply chains, delay deliveries and significantly reduce economic activity in both urban and rural areas.
Workers in several sectors are already struggling to access their workplaces, while traders and farmers risk losing income as goods fail to reach markets on time.
She further warned that delays in emergency and essential services could place vulnerable communities at even greater risk.
“The combined effect of high fuel prices and a transport shutdown risks pushing already strained households and businesses to the brink,” she stated.
Odhiambo cautioned that continued economic pressure could quickly evolve into a wider social crisis if the Government fails to intervene decisively.
Calls for Urgent Government Intervention
The former LSK President urged the Government to urgently engage stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors to find sustainable solutions.
She called for transparent and accountable interventions aimed at stabilising fuel prices and protecting livelihoods.
According to Odhiambo, meaningful dialogue between authorities, transport operators and energy sector players is necessary to restore public confidence and reduce economic uncertainty.
Her remarks come at a time when matatu operators across the country have called on a strike due to the high costs oof fuel which were announced by EPRA last week.
Odhiambo maintained that failure to act swiftly would expose millions of Kenyans to worsening economic hardship and reduced access to essential services, deepening pressure on already struggling households nationwide.
