NAIROBI, Kenya- The nationwide matatu strike has been called off after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen brokered a truce between transport stakeholders and the government following two days of paralysis that crippled movement across the country.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi was also present during the high-level talks that led to the suspension of the strike.
However, transport operators have given the government seven days to address their concerns over soaring fuel prices and reforms in the energy sector, warning that another shutdown could follow if no action is taken.
“In the interceding period between now and Tuesday, May 26, the ongoing strike is suspended for a period of one week to provide an avenue for consultations between the government and the stakeholders,” CS Murkomen said.
The breakthrough was reached after intense consultations between government officials and representatives from the matatu, trucking, boda boda and public transport sectors.
The operators agreed to temporarily resume operations to allow room for further dialogue and the implementation of agreed interventions.
Speaking after the meeting, transport sector leaders said the government had committed to reviewing key issues raised by operators, including fuel prices and concerns around fuel adulteration.
“We have agreed to give the government seven days to address the issues raised, including fuel prices and other concerns affecting the transport sector,” stakeholders said after the meeting.
The strike, which began Monday, brought public transport to a near standstill in Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Mombasa and Kisumu after operators protested record fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Thousands of commuters were forced to walk long distances to work as matatus remained parked at depots and bus termini, while schools and businesses suffered major disruption.
The fuel crisis also sparked violent protests in several towns, leaving at least four people dead, dozens injured and hundreds arrested according to authorities.
During the talks, Energy CS Wandayi explained the government’s latest move to revise diesel and kerosene prices in an attempt to narrow the gap between the two products and reduce the risk of fuel adulteration.
The government has maintained that the current fuel crisis has been caused by disruptions in global oil supply chains linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, although pressure continues to mount on President William Ruto’s administration to urgently lower fuel prices and ease the cost of living.
