Four people have been killed in protests linked to Kenya's nationwide transport strikes against recent increases in the cost of fuel.
More than 30 people have been injured according to the interior minister.
Thousands of commuters were left stranded, with key roads in the capital Nairobi largely empty as some businesses remained shut and schools asked students to stay at home.
Protesters have been blocking roads and erecting burning barricades. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen added that 348 people had been arrested.
The strike comes days after the authorities raised petroleum prices to record levels, with costs increasing by more than 20%.
Kenya, like many other African countries, relies heavily on fuel imports from the Gulf, a supply route disrupted by the US-Israel conflict with Iran that began on 28th February.
Thousands of commuters were left stranded, with key roads in the capital Nairobi largely empty as some businesses remained shut and schools asked students to stay at home.
Protesters have been blocking roads and erecting burning barricades. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen added that 348 people had been arrested.
The strike comes days after the authorities raised petroleum prices to record levels, with costs increasing by more than 20%.
Kenya, like many other African countries, relies heavily on fuel imports from the Gulf, a supply route disrupted by the US-Israel conflict with Iran that began on 28th February.
Even though a ceasefire has been declared, fuel prices have remained high as the Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of the world's oil passes through, is still blocked.
Many passengers were stranded at bus stops in the capital in the morning. Others arriving from elsewhere to Nairobi could not get into the city.
The conductor of a bus carrying passengers from Tanzania said they could not get to Nairobi in the morning because of roadblocks and were stranded in Kajiado, a town about 75km from the city.
Abdi Suleiman, a motorist who operates in the south-eastern Kenyan border town of Taveta and sources food items from across the border in Tanzania, said that he was unable to supply them as usual because of the strike.
In parts of Nairobi and elsewhere across the country, police used tear gas to disperse protesters who had blocked roads with burning tyres and barricades, amid reports they had been stopping and harassing motorists.
Nairobi police commander Issa Mohamud said six police officers were injured in the clashes, and five police vehicles and one civilian vehicle were damaged.
Ahead of the strike, the police assured Kenyans that security measures would be in place and warned against any disruptive conduct.
Speaking to reporters on Monday evening, Murkomen said it was "unfortunate that today's protests have once again been hijacked by political actors for political ends".
The high cost of fuel is being blamed for increases in the price of food and other basic goods and services, with public service vehicles already raising commuter fares.
Last month, the government cut VAT on fuel from 16% to 8% until July but there have been calls for it to do more.
John Mbadi, the Cabinet Secretary for treasury said that the government may consider further tax relief measures if global prices continue to rise.
No agreement has been reached between the government and transport operators, raising fears the strike could continue.
Many passengers were stranded at bus stops in the capital in the morning. Others arriving from elsewhere to Nairobi could not get into the city.
The conductor of a bus carrying passengers from Tanzania said they could not get to Nairobi in the morning because of roadblocks and were stranded in Kajiado, a town about 75km from the city.
Abdi Suleiman, a motorist who operates in the south-eastern Kenyan border town of Taveta and sources food items from across the border in Tanzania, said that he was unable to supply them as usual because of the strike.
In parts of Nairobi and elsewhere across the country, police used tear gas to disperse protesters who had blocked roads with burning tyres and barricades, amid reports they had been stopping and harassing motorists.
Nairobi police commander Issa Mohamud said six police officers were injured in the clashes, and five police vehicles and one civilian vehicle were damaged.
Ahead of the strike, the police assured Kenyans that security measures would be in place and warned against any disruptive conduct.
Speaking to reporters on Monday evening, Murkomen said it was "unfortunate that today's protests have once again been hijacked by political actors for political ends".
The high cost of fuel is being blamed for increases in the price of food and other basic goods and services, with public service vehicles already raising commuter fares.
Last month, the government cut VAT on fuel from 16% to 8% until July but there have been calls for it to do more.
John Mbadi, the Cabinet Secretary for treasury said that the government may consider further tax relief measures if global prices continue to rise.
No agreement has been reached between the government and transport operators, raising fears the strike could continue.
Disqus comments error!
Disqus shortname is required to use Disqus comments. Please ensure you have specify a valid registered Disqus shortname.