Public Transport Strike Enters Day 2
Thousands of commuters across Kenya faced another day of transport disruption on Tuesday as the nationwide Public Service Vehicle (PSV) strike entered its second day over rising fuel prices.
Major highways and roads that are usually packed with traffic appeared unusually empty as many matatus and buses stayed off the roads.
In Nairobi, sections of the busy Thika Superhighway recorded light traffic flow, a rare scene on one of the country’s busiest roads.
Large stretches of the highway remained clear for hours as some commuters struggled to find transport.
Some passengers were forced to walk long distances after failing to secure transport.
The strike has been fueled by growing frustration among PSV operators over the sharp increase in fuel prices, which they said has made business operations difficult.
Operators argued that the rising cost of diesel and petrol has significantly reduced profits and pushed many transport owners into losses.
Several matatu stages across Nairobi remained deserted.
Rows of parked vehicles could be seen at terminals and shopping centres as operators kept their fleets off the roads in solidarity with the strike.
PSV operators insist the strike will continue until the government addresses concerns over fuel prices and the rising cost of living.
They said transport operators are also struggling with increasing maintenance costs, spare parts and insurance expenses.
As the strike stretches into another day, the sight of unusually empty highways, including parts of Thika Superhighway, has become a powerful symbol of the growing pressure high fuel prices are placing on everyday life in Kenya.
The industrial action follows failed talks between stakeholders and government representatives aimed at resolving grievances over rising operational costs linked to fuel prices.
Matatu Owners Association (MOA) President Albert Karakacha confirmed that the strike would continue after overnight negotiations collapsed.
“We have not agreed on anything. The government, through the Ministry of Energy, can look for the Sh45 we are losing. We are already servicing loans and still cannot pay for some services. The matatu strike will continue until we get a solution,” he said.
In a separate statement, Karakacha added that operators were incurring heavy losses.
“Today, we have incurred losses of over Sh500 million, and we are willing to continue the strike until fuel prices are reduced,” he said.