NAIROBI, Kenya — Major bus stations across Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) were left deserted on Monday morning as the ongoing matatu strike continued to disrupt public transport, forcing thousands of commuters to walk to work.
At the Ronald Ngala Street pick-up point, operated by Nicco Movers Ltd along the Nairobi–Juja–Thika routes, no vehicles were in service.
Similarly, the Koja bus station, serving routes to Parklands and Westlands, stood empty, leaving regular commuters stranded.
At Odeon, where Lopha Travels operates, only a handful of vehicles were present, a stark contrast to the usual bustling activity.
The unprecedentedly empty stations have also become informal playgrounds, with street children using the vacant spaces to play football.
Commuters described the situation as frustrating and exhausting.
“I had no choice but to walk from the city center to Westlands today. It’s tiring and time-consuming, but there’s no alternative,” said James Mwangi, a finance worker.
Major bus stations across Nairobi’s Central Business District were left completely empty this morning as the matatu strike continues to disrupt public transport operations.Nicco Movers Ltd, which operates along the Nairobi-Juja-Thika routes, has its Ronald Ngala Street pick-up
The strike, which has affected several matatu routes, comes amid ongoing disputes between transport operators and regulatory authorities, with demands ranging from fare adjustments to improved operational conditions.
City residents have expressed concern over the disruption, highlighting the strain on workers, students, and those dependent on public transport.
Some have called for urgent government intervention to resolve the strike and restore normal transport services.
As the strike continues, thousands of Nairobi residents are forced to walk long distances or find alternative, often costly, transport options to reach their workplaces, schools, and essential services.
The Kenya National Union of Transport Operators (KNUTO) has not indicated when the strike will end, leaving the city grappling with a transport crisis that shows no immediate resolution.
