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Commuters across Kenya are still feeling the impact of the nationwide matatu strike after transport operators announced that negotiations with the government failed to address their biggest concern, the soaring cost of diesel. With buses and matatus missing from roads in major towns, thousands of Kenyans were left stranded, forcing many to trek to work as pressure mounted on the government to find a solution.

Highlights

Matatu operators say the strike remains active nationwide.
Talks with the government failed to lower diesel prices.
Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru were heavily affected.
Operators are demanding reforms at EPRA.
Thousands of commuters were stranded during the disruption.

Main Story

The nationwide matatu strike entered another day after transport sector leaders declared that discussions with the government had not produced a breakthrough on fuel costs.

Speaking after Monday’s negotiations, leaders under the Transport Sector Alliance said while some progress had been made on issues like fuel adulteration and kerosene pricing, the talks failed to tackle the rising diesel prices that continue to burden public transport operators.

According to the operators, diesel costs have made it increasingly difficult for PSV owners to sustain daily operations, with many claiming the transport business is becoming unmanageable.

Commuters Left Stranded

The ongoing strike caused major disruptions in several towns including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.

Long queues were witnessed at bus stops as commuters struggled to find alternative transport. In some areas, workers and students were forced to walk long distances after matatus failed to operate.

Businesses also experienced delays as employees arrived late or failed to report to work entirely due to the transport crisis.

Operators Demand EPRA Reforms

Apart from lower fuel prices, transport operators are also pushing for changes at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

They accused the regulator of implementing fuel price increases that have pushed up the cost of transport and worsened the economic pressure facing ordinary Kenyans.

The operators insist that without immediate intervention, the transport sector could face even deeper financial strain in the coming weeks.

Government Seeks Way Forward

Even as the strike continues, the government has maintained that negotiations are still ongoing in an effort to restore normal transport services across the country.

Authorities are now under increasing pressure to reach an agreement quickly as commuters continue to bear the brunt of the stalemate.

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