Public transport users across the country have received a major reprieve after matatu operators suspended a nationwide strike that had been planned for Monday, easing fears of fresh travel disruptions.
The decision follows consultations between leaders in the public transport sector and security agencies, amid growing concerns over insecurity and vandalism targeting public service vehicles. The suspension is expected to last at least two weeks to allow dialogue to continue.
Many commuters had braced for another chaotic week after last Monday’s transport paralysis, when sections of the matatu industry stayed off the roads, leaving thousands stranded across major towns.
Intercorridor Mobility representative Joseph Kagai said the operators agreed to suspend the strike as a gesture of goodwill, even though several issues remain unresolved.
“We chose to act in good faith. While not all our concerns have been addressed, we agreed to suspend the Monday strike and give dialogue a chance,” Kagai said.
According to matatu operators, discussions have mainly focused on insecurity within the transport sector, particularly clashes involving boda boda riders and repeated attacks on matatus in different regions.
Operators say vandalism, harassment of crews, and lawlessness have affected both business operations and passenger safety.
Regional Police Commander George Seda assured operators and the public that police would take decisive action against criminal elements.
He said anyone found engaging in violence or damaging vehicles would be arrested and prosecuted.
The temporary suspension comes against the backdrop of widespread confusion witnessed last week, when conflicting messages from transport industry leaders led to severe disruptions, especially in Nairobi.
Despite earlier announcements that a strike had been called off, some matatu operators ignored the directive and stayed away from work. This resulted in long queues at bus stops, forcing many commuters to walk long distances or turn to boda bodas and ride-hailing services, which drove up fares.
The standoff also exposed deep divisions within the public transport sector. While some industry bodies supported dialogue, others insisted on industrial action, accusing the government of failing to address what they described as increasing lawlessness among boda boda operators.
Boda boda leaders distanced themselves from the strike and urged calm, warning that prolonged disruptions could negatively affect businesses across the transport sector.
For now, commuters can breathe a sigh of relief, as talks continue in hopes of finding a lasting solution to the growing tensions within the industry.
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