The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Public transport services across the country remained largely paralysed on May 19 as the nationwide matatu strike entered its second day, with operators maintaining pressure on the government over rising fuel costs.
Matatus, buses, boda bodas, and other public service vehicles stayed off the roads in major towns such as Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Eldoret, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. Many were forced to walk long distances or pay higher transport fares to reach their destinations.
The strike followed unsuccessful discussions between transport stakeholders and government officials over the increasing cost of operations driven by higher fuel prices.
Matatu Owners Association President Albert Karagacha confirmed that the strike would continue after overnight talks failed to produce an agreement.
Karagacha said operators were already struggling with loan repayments and operational expenses, insisting that the government must address the heavy financial losses being experienced by the sector before services resume.
He also revealed that operators had already lost more than Sh500 million due to the strike but remained determined to continue protesting until fuel prices are reduced.
The demonstrations, supported by the wider Transport Sector Alliance, have also sparked demands for fare increases of up to 50 per cent to help operators cope with rising expenses. Sector leaders urged members to remain peaceful and avoid violence during the industrial action.
Commuters across the country continued to feel the impact, with reports of long walks to work, increased boda boda charges, interrupted school programmes, and delays in business operations.
In Nairobi, key roads including Thika Superhighway, Mombasa Road, Jogoo Road, Waiyaki Way, Juja Road, and Ngong Road experienced very limited public transport activity as the strike persisted into its second day.
Transport stakeholders indicated that more negotiations may be needed as concerns over fuel prices continue following the latest EPRA fuel review.
