A Kenyan transport strike triggered by rising fuel prices from to the Middle East war has been paused after causing four deaths and major economic disruption, raising concerns about potential wider unrest across Africa, AFP reports.

Kenya has hiked petrol prices by 20 per cent and diesel by almost 40pc since Iran choked off traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil normally passes.

The transport sector, especially operators of the “matatu” buses that provide most public transport in Kenya, called the strike yesterday after another steep price rise last week.

“The strike that is going on is suspended for a period of one week to provide an avenue for consultations and negotiations between the government and stakeholders,” interior minister Kipchumba Murkomen told reporters on Tuesday.

Albert Karakacha, the president of Matatu Owners Association, confirmed the suspension — although other representatives warned they would protest again if the negotiations were not serious.

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