A nationwide matatu strike that had brought transport to a near standstill across major towns has been temporarily suspended for one week following a breakthrough in negotiations between operators and the government.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the development, stating that both parties had agreed to initiate high-level consultations aimed at addressing the concerns raised by public transport stakeholders.
“There was need for negotiations with the stakeholders at a high level and they will take place within the next one week,” Murkomen said, signaling a possible path toward a lasting solution.
The strike, which had paralyzed movement in key urban centers including Nairobi, left thousands of commuters stranded and disrupted business operations, highlighting the critical role the matatu sector plays in Kenya’s economy. At the height of the crisis, commuters were forced to walk long distances or seek alternative, often costly, means of transport.
At the heart of the standoff are rising fuel costs, with operators citing recent price hikes announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) as unsustainable. The transporters are pushing for a reduction in fuel taxes and broader government intervention to cushion the sector from escalating operational costs.
The one-week suspension now offers temporary relief to commuters and businesses, but uncertainty still looms. Matatu operators have warned that failure to reach a meaningful agreement within the negotiation window could see the resumption of industrial action.
The coming days will be crucial as the government seeks to strike a balance between fiscal policies and the survival of one of the country’s most vital transport networks.
Channel 15 News — The Full Story First On www.channel15news.co.ke
