Matatu Operators Suspend Nationwide Strike for One Week After High-Level Talks With Government
The breakthrough came on Tuesday, May 19, after an interministerial meeting held at Harambee House in Nairobi brought together government officials, matatu owners, digital cab operators, and representatives from the wider transport sector.
The temporary suspension now paves the way for normal public transport operations to resume immediately across the country after two days of disruptions that left thousands of commuters stranded and triggered violent protests in several regions.
“Following a consultative meeting this morning between the government and representatives of the transport sector, it was agreed that there was need for negotiations between the government and the stakeholders at a high level,” Murkomen announced.
“Those negotiations must be undertaken within the next one week. Following the negotiations, it was agreed that the ongoing strike be suspended for a period of one week to provide an avenue for consultation between the government and the stakeholders,” he added.
The protests quickly escalated into chaotic demonstrations, with reports of running battles, destruction of property, and widespread traffic paralysis witnessed on major highways including Thika Road.
Several motorists abandoned vehicles while commuters were forced to walk long distances after public transport operators withdrew services.
The unrest also resulted in multiple arrests and fatalities, with the government confirming that at least four people lost their lives during the protests.
Amid the chaos, police arrested Central Police Station OCS Chief Inspector Dishen Angoya over allegations that he unlawfully released 64 suspects who had been arrested during the anti-fuel demonstrations in Nairobi.
Authorities confirmed that the senior officer remains in custody pending arraignment as investigations continue into the alleged unlawful release of the suspects.
The latest negotiations, however, appear to have temporarily eased tensions between the government and transport stakeholders.
“We are urging our members to report back to work, to give room for the negotiations. We however want to warn that should the one week lapse before an agreement, then we will have no alternative but to resume the strike,” Karakacha stated.
Similarly, Kushian Muchiri, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS), said the transport industry had agreed to temporarily halt industrial action in good faith after the government acknowledged the seriousness of the operators’ concerns.
“Negotiations have now begun in earnest, and the government has acknowledged the seriousness of our concerns. Had our grievances been taken seriously on Friday, we would not be in this situation today,” Muchiri stated.
“On behalf of the transport sector, I urge matatu owners to resume operations immediately so that we can continue serving Kenyans,” he added.
Sakaja appealed for calm and urged operators to return to business as discussions continue.
The governor also called on financial institutions and auctioneers to exercise patience with operators struggling financially following the disruptions.
Meanwhile, commuters across Nairobi and other major towns began witnessing the gradual return of matatus and other public service vehicles to the roads Tuesday evening, offering relief after days of uncertainty and transport disruptions that affected businesses, schools, and daily economic activities nationwide.
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Matatu Operators Suspend Nationwide Strike for One Week After High-Level Talks With Government
