Residents of Kisumu County are increasingly abandoning private cars and cutting down on public transport use as the rising cost of fuel continues to strain household budgets and reshape daily life.

In Kisumu City, once characterised by busy roads and constant traffic flow, a noticeable shift is emerging. Fewer vehicles are plying major streets and estates, with many residents opting for cheaper alternatives such as bodaboda motorcycles or simply walking to their destinations.

For some, the change is not by choice but necessity. Victor Odhiambo, a local resident, says commuting has become more demanding. “What used to be a short and affordable commute now requires careful planning. Sometimes I am forced to walk long distances just to save money,” he said.

The transport sector is also feeling the pinch. Drivers report reduced passenger numbers even as operating costs continue to rise. Paul Elly, a driver in the city, says the situation is becoming unsustainable. “Fuel prices have gone up, but passengers are fewer. It is becoming very hard to make a living in this sector,” he noted.

Fuel stations across Kisumu are experiencing a sharp decline in business. Attendants say there are longer periods without customers, a trend that was previously unheard of. John Ogutu, who works at a local petrol station, says traffic has significantly dropped. “We used to serve many vehicles throughout the day, but now there are long hours when no one comes in,” he explained.

Station managers echo similar concerns. Moses Ogolla says sales volumes have dipped as residents cut back on fuel consumption. “People are using less fuel. Business is not what it used to be,” he said.

Beyond transport, the impact is being felt across the broader economy. Peter Okoth, an IT specialist, notes that fuel prices influence nearly every aspect of daily life. “When fuel costs rise, everything else follows, from food prices to transport. It directly affects our daily lives,” he said.

According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the surge in fuel prices has been partly driven by global factors, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Additional costs such as taxation, storage, and distribution margins have also pushed pump prices higher than those in neighbouring countries.

Although the government recently reduced Value Added Tax from 16 percent to 13 percent, recent adjustments still saw fuel prices rise significantly, offering little relief to consumers.

As economic pressure mounts, the shift in Kisumu highlights a broader reality: rising fuel costs are no longer just a transport issue, but a defining factor shaping livelihoods, businesses, and everyday life.