Kenya Matatu Strike Suspended: Nairobi Transport Update Now!

Kenya’s transport operators have called off their national strike after a series of new negotiations with the government concerning the rise in fuel prices.

Kenya matatu strike suspended, The call-off is expected to provide some reprieve to residents in Nairobi, Mombasa, and many other towns affected by the two-day strikes.

Transport operators have confirmed that the strike will be suspended for the rest of this week, and further talks will take place.

Are Matatus Running Today?

Yes, some matatus and transport services have resumed operations in Kenya temporarily after the suspension of the ongoing strikes.

But transport operations are not consistent in some regions, especially Nairobi, where some roads remained deserted on Tuesday morning, as well as limited vehicles on some routes.

Some of the issues that commuters should expect include:

limited number of vehicles,
increased fares,
and delays on major routes.

Reasons for the Strike

The national strike came about due to a rise in fuel prices that were proposed by the Kenyan energy regulatory body.

Diesel prices were increased to approximately KSh242 per litre, and the price of petrol rose above KSh214.

According to transport operators, the increase in the cost of fuel would make operations unsustainable for:

matatu operators,
boda boda riders,
taxi drivers,
and PSV companies.

The strikes rapidly spread to all the cities, affecting schools, business operations, and commuting.

Agreement Reached Between Government and Transport Operators

Kipchumba Murkomen said the strike suspension came after discussions with the transport sector.

According to the officials, the discussion is expected to go on for seven more days.

In addition, the Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi declared a reduction in diesel prices after talks with operators.

The diesel prices were decreased by approximately KSh10 per litre, despite the claim that the reduction did not satisfy the protesters’ demands.

Commuter Situation in Nairobi and Mombasa

Nairobi

Most parts of Nairobi City were calm early Tuesday morning, as a result of:

reduced traffic,
reduced matatu services,
school closures, and
police presence along many routes.

However, many commuter workers walked long distances since some service providers were starting their services.

Mombasa

In Mombasa City, the situation seemed to have normalized faster, as matatus and taxis started operating normally again.

According to officials, the city had begun stabilizing after yesterday’s unrest.

Deaths, Injuries, and Arrests

At least four people were killed during yesterday’s unrest, and many others were injured.

Moreover, more than 700 individuals were arrested by the security forces for engaging in:

demonstrations,
blocking roads,
looting, and
destroying property.

Rights groups such as the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights called for investigations into the unrest and asked security personnel to be cautious in handling the matter.

Would the Strike Resume?

The transport unions indicated that the strikes were just suspended.

According to transport industry stakeholders, nationwide strikes may occur again if negotiations do not yield positive results in reducing fuel prices within seven days.

Service providers are calling for fuel prices to go back to previous levels before global disruptions of the oil market involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Conclusion

Although the transport strike may have been suspended in Kenya, there is a possibility of it resuming next week if negotiations break down.

Although the services are slowly being restored in Nairobi and Mombasa, the operators are warning that the strike might resume should the negotiations fail next week.