Matatu and public transport operators have called off a nationwide strike that threatened to paralyse major routes and leave thousands of commuters stranded.
The planned strike, set for Monday, February 9, will not take place following intensive consultations between transport operators, government officials, and security agencies. The talks focused on addressing rising attacks on public service vehicles, particularly by rogue boda boda riders.
The suspension, set for two weeks, is intended to allow continued dialogue and the implementation of safety measures to protect commuters and operators while ensuring the transport sector remains functional. Last week, partial strikes by some operators left commuters stranded and forced many to pay higher fares.
Intercorridor Mobility Chairperson Joseph Kagai said the decision to suspend the strike reflects goodwill, even though some issues remain unresolved.
“We have had deliberate engagement, and while some things are still unresolved, because of goodwill, we have agreed to suspend the Monday strike and move forward as we address the matters,” Kagai said.
“We have suspended this strike for two weeks to allow teams to sit at the table, negotiate and iron out all the issues.”
Peter Murima of the Motorist Association of Kenya warned that attacks on vehicles would face swift action.
“This decision has been informed by the seriousness we have seen from the government that action will be taken. This is criminal, and anyone captured on camera touching a vehicle will be charged,” Murima said.
Matatu Owners Association chairman Albert Karakacha confirmed that operators had agreed to give dialogue a chance.
“We have suspended the strike for 14 days as we wait for the government to see how we can work together to deal with these criminals,” Karakacha said.
Traffic Commandant Frederick Ochieng described the consultations as productive and said authorities are now focusing on long-term strategies to restore order in the transport sector.
“We have had very fruitful discussions with matatu stakeholders, and I have been able to share the strategy we agreed on with the boda boda sector, including self-regulation,” Ochieng said.
“We have also engaged the boda boda industry following an accident involving a matatu and a boda boda, and we will work to ensure there is a lasting solution in the transport sector.”
Regional Police Commander George Seda assured operators and the public that law enforcement agencies would uphold accountability and the rule of law.
“Kenya is a functional state. If an accident has occurred, some steps must be followed. Let us stop taking the law into our own hands,” Seda said.
He added that police have obtained video evidence of individuals involved in attacks on vehicles.
“Once the process is completed, they will be charged,” he said, noting that authorities are also working to ensure the boda boda sector operates within the law.
The temporary suspension of the strike offers a window for dialogue and coordinated action to make Kenya’s transport system safer, but operators and commuters will be watching closely to see whether the proposed solutions translate into lasting protection against attacks.
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