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Matatu operators have withdrawn plans for a fresh strike after holding talks with President William Ruto, bringing an end to fears of another public transport disruption next week.
The operators had initially paused the strike for seven days to give room for discussions with the government following nationwide protests over high fuel prices that paralysed transport services in several parts of the country.
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Speaking from State House in Mombasa on Friday, President Ruto said he had held extensive discussions with leaders in the transport sector on Thursday to address the issues raised by operators and seek a long-term solution.
The President announced that the government would lower diesel prices by an additional Sh10 per litre during the June-July fuel price review, adding to earlier interventions aimed at easing pressure on consumers and businesses affected by rising global oil costs.
The reduction is expected to bring diesel prices in Nairobi down to Sh222.86 per litre, providing relief to matatu operators, transporters, farmers, and manufacturers who rely heavily on the fuel.
Matatu Owners Association (MOA) National Chairman Albert Karakacha confirmed that operators had officially cancelled the planned strike following the government’s latest intervention and ongoing dialogue with stakeholders.
“We had only suspended the strike, but now we have fully called it off. There will be no strike next week and we will continue operating normally,” Karakacha said.
He commended the government for taking steps to stabilise fuel prices and promised cooperation in supporting economic recovery and protecting livelihoods.
Karakacha also acknowledged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for helping mediate talks between operators and the government, saying his efforts helped prevent further disruption in the capital.
“We know Nairobi County lost a lot of revenue during the crisis, and we agreed to work together to ensure things return to normal. We appreciate the government and the President for addressing many of the issues that had remained unresolved for a long time,” he added.
The crisis began after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced new fuel prices on May 14, raising the cost of Super Petrol by Sh16.65 per litre and Diesel by Sh46.29 per litre, pushing prices in Nairobi to Sh214.25 and Sh242.92 respectively.
The sharp increase triggered outrage among motorists and transport operators, leading to a two-day nationwide strike organised by the Transport Sector Alliance.
Thousands of commuters were forced to walk to work after matatus, ride-hailing operators, truckers, and boda boda riders withdrew services in protest.
Although the government later reduced diesel prices by Sh10.06 per litre and opened negotiations with operators, the concession was initially rejected as transport stakeholders demanded a bigger reduction of between Sh30 and Sh35 per litre.
Further consultations, however, eventually led to a temporary truce and the cancellation of the planned strike.
As transport operations resume across the country, Karakacha urged Kenyans and leaders to avoid politicising the fuel issue and instead focus on rebuilding the economy.
“Let us build our country first. Politics can wait until 2027,” he said.
