NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi’s usually vibrant Central Business District turned into a ghost town on Monday as a nationwide matatu strike crippled public transport, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and businesses counting losses.
Major streets that are often packed with matatus, hawkers and human traffic appeared unusually deserted as operators downed their tools in protest over soaring fuel prices.
Most bus termini remained empty while frustrated wananchi trekked for kilometres into the city centre after failing to secure transport.
From Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road and Thika Road, huge crowds of pedestrians streamed towards the CBD, with many workers arriving hours late while others gave up and returned home.
Several shops in the CBD delayed opening due to reduced customer traffic, while private schools suspended learning over transport uncertainty. The strike also triggered heavy police deployment in parts of the city amid fears of unrest and road barricades.
Matatu operators announced the shutdown following a sharp rise in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Operators warned that the cost of doing business had become unsustainable and demanded urgent government intervention.
The strike comes after diesel prices rose by Sh46.29 per litre while petrol increased by Sh16.65 in the latest fuel review, pushing transport costs to record highs.
Despite government assurances that billions from the Petroleum Development Levy had been used to cushion consumers, anger continued to boil across the country as Kenyans grappled with rising living costs.
By mid-morning, sections of Nairobi CBD including Moi Avenue, Tom Mboya Street and Railways area remained unusually quiet, with only a few private cars, boda bodas and pedestrians visible.
Many commuters described the situation as one of the worst transport crises witnessed in recent years.
