NAIROBI — Protests erupted in Kenya's capital Nairobi on Monday as a nationwide public transport strike began over rising fuel prices. Protesters burned tires on major roads in the city, leaving commuters stranded in various suburbs. The city center remained deserted as motorists with private vehicles opted to stay home.

The strike followed price increases announced on Friday, when diesel rose by 23.5% and petrol by 8%, both reaching record highs. The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the increased fuel prices would affect all commodities and services in the country. "The April–May comparison shows that while global crude oil prices increased by about 10.7%, Kenya's diesel price rose by 23.5% over the same period. This points to the continued role of domestic cost buildup," the chamber said in a statement.

The Kenya Association of Private Schools advised its members to assess and determine the safety of learners going to school. Most schools in Kenya opted for online learning.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua blamed the increase in fuel prices on corrupt businesspeople who he said wanted to increase their profit margins. He compared the fuel prices in Kenya to those in neighboring landlocked countries such as Uganda, where prices are lower. Kenya serves as a major transport hub for businesspeople importing goods through the port of Mombasa to be ferried by road.

President William Ruto has not commented on the new fuel prices. In the April price review, Ruto attributed the price change to the Iran war and reduced taxes to mitigate the increase.