Kenya’s public transport sector has breathed a sigh of relief after planned nationwide matatu strike action scheduled for Monday was suspended, offering commuters temporary stability while key stakeholders continue negotiations.
Strike Called Off for Two Weeks
Matatu operators announced that they have suspended the planned strike for at least two weeks, following extensive consultations with government officials and security agencies. The decision, confirmed by Intercorridor Mobility representative Joseph Kagai, stems from ongoing concerns about insecurity and attacks on public service vehicles.
Kagai emphasized that although not all issues have been resolved, the industry is acting “in good faith” to allow talks with the authorities to continue.
Insecurity and Sector Concerns at the Heart of Dispute
A major catalyst behind the threatened strike has been the rising insecurity affecting matatu drivers and crews, particularly incidents involving boda boda riders and the vandalism or torching of vehicles. Operators say these acts have hurt both passenger safety and business operations across urban centres.
The Regional Police Commander has assured transport operators that law enforcement agencies will take decisive action against those involved in attacks on vehicles, with arrests and charges expected for offenders.
Chaos on the Roads: Lessons from Last Week
Last Monday’s transport disruption provided a stark reminder of how deeply Kenyan cities rely on matatus. Despite the initial strike suspension, sections of the industry still stayed off the roads, particularly in Nairobi, causing long queues at bus stops as commuters struggled to find alternative transport.
During the chaos:
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Thousands of commuters were left stranded or forced to walk long distances to work.
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Many turned to boda bodas or ride-hailing services, driving up transport costs and congestion.
The disruption exposed sharp divisions within the transport sector — with some associations backing the strike and others favouring continued dialogue.
Industry Unity and Future Talks
While the suspension brings short‑term respite, unresolved tensions remain. Some transport bodies, including the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), have criticised the government’s response as inadequate and continue to press for stronger action against insecurity on the roads.
On the other hand, representatives from boda boda groups have distanced themselves from the strike action, urging calm and greater cooperation to resolve sector issues without disrupting public transport services.
What This Means for Commuters
For now, matatus will continue operating normally, and talks between operators, security agencies, and government officials are expected to intensify over the coming weeks. If these discussions lead to concrete agreements on safety and enforcement measures, Kenya’s public transport sector could see long‑term improvements in both service reliability and commuter protection.
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