Kenya’s protest effects have resulted in trucks getting stuck at the Malaba and Busia borders for fear of crossing to Kenya, since many of the major cities are rioting against the Finance Bill 2024.
The protests, which started as a peaceful demonstration last week and have recently escalated into violent protests with protestors burning properties and blocking off roads, have made many truck drivers fear for their lives and merchandise as they were seen parking at the border.
According to Isma Katerega, one of the truck drivers, the route is not safe, and many trucks have been parked at the border, waiting for the situation to calm down.
“We have spent over seven hours here at the border, and we are scared of our lives. We shall wait until we are sure we are safe to move,” Katerega said.
The drivers have parked their trucks for fear of getting trapped in the chaos in several major towns like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret, which were the scenes of chaos on June 26, 2024, in many parts of Kenya, as thousands of youth protesters clashed with Kenya police in protest of the controversial bill.
Apart from the truck drivers, even other businesses have been in the border towns as they rely on people in transit. Some of the businesses affected include money changers, restaurants, transport operators, and many others who transact directly with people in transit. With the protests, the movements into Kenya have slightly reduced.
In the past, Kenyan riots have greatly affected business in neighboring countries, as goods and commodities could not move from one country to another.
In Uganda, the Kenya protests have a great impact since about 90% of Uganda’s petroleum imports are routed through Kenya, with only 10% coming through Tanzania, and any transport delays could in turn affect the fuel prices in the country, which could in turn lead to a rise in the prices of other commodities.
