There will be no vehicles on the roads on these days as motorists go on strike

janet ndila

September 2, 2018 12:53 PM

Strike called to protest high fuel prices after government introduced 16% VAT

Nairobi’s transport sector is staring at another paralysis for at least two days beginning Monday after Kenya Motorists Association announced a two-day strike.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, the association’s chairperson Peter Murima maintained that Treasury CS Henry Rotich had acted in bad faith, defying parliament’s decision to postpone the taxes until 2022.

The statement read in part that “We therefore call upon motorists to again express their anger tomorrow Monday 3 and Tuesday 04 and if possible Wednesday by boycotting fuel and participating in a strike of not going to work in the morning as much as possible.”

The statement further directed that Wednesdays will be marked by boycotts and protests until a time when motorists will get fair fuel prices.

The strike has been called for to protest high fuel prices after the government introduced a 16%VAT on fuel, a move which saw a litre petrol retailing at 127.80 in Nairobi and Sh 141.61 in Mandera.

Although MPs voted in parliament to shelve the move, CS Henry Rotich maintained that the taxes would be implemented as scheduled beginning yesterday, 01 September 2018.

The move attracted public outrage amongst Kenyans who are already grappling with high cost of living expects warning that it would result in high inflation and a further increase in the cost of living.

Energy Regulatory Commission adjusted prices to reflect the changes, with consumers paying more even as public service vehicles announced that they would pass on the same cost to commuters.

janet ndila