NAIROBI, Kenya- Public transport operator Super Metro has announced the temporary suspension of its operations due to the ongoing nationwide matatu strike linked to soaring fuel prices.
In a notice to customers on Tuesday, the popular Nairobi-based PSV operator said its services would remain suspended until further notice as the transport crisis entered its second day.
“Due to the ongoing matatu strike, our operations remain temporarily suspended. We will keep you updated once services resume. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your continued support,” the company said in a statement.
The suspension is expected to further worsen commuter frustrations in Nairobi and its metropolitan areas where thousands of passengers have already been stranded following the strike by matatu operators protesting record fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Super Metro is among the largest and most relied upon public transport SACCOs operating along major routes including Thika Road, Waiyaki Way, Ngong Road and Mombasa Road. Its absence from the roads has intensified transport paralysis across the capital.
The nationwide strike, now in its second day, began after transport operators rejected government proposals during talks aimed at resolving the fuel crisis.
Operators are demanding immediate reduction of diesel and petrol prices, reforms at EPRA and intervention by the Treasury to cushion the transport sector.
Thousands of commuters were once again forced to walk long distances Tuesday morning as matatus remained parked in depots across Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kisumu and Mombasa.
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, but pressure continues to mount on President William Ruto’s administration to urgently intervene and restore normal transport operations.
