Matatu operators have temporarily suspended their ongoing strike for one week untill May 26, following government intervention aimed at ending the standoff over fuel prices and rising transport costs.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the decision was reached after both the government and transport sector stakeholders agreed on the need for urgent high-level consultations.
“There was need for negotiations with the stakeholders at a high level and they will take place within the next one week,” Murkomen said.
The CS noted that pausing the strike was necessary to create room for dialogue and prevent further disruption of transport services and economic activities across the country.
The suspension comes as a major relief for thousands of commuters who had been facing uncertainty following threats of widespread transport paralysis in Nairobi and other towns.
Matatu operators had cited rising fuel costs and increasing operational expenses as the main reasons behind the industrial action, warning that continued pressure could force fare hikes and reduced operations.
The dispute intensified after recent fuel price adjustments sparked anger within the public transport sector, with operators accusing authorities of failing to cushion them from escalating costs.
At the same time the Matatu Owners Association(MOA) has urged it’s members to resume operations immediately to give room for the negotiations.
“We are urging our members to report back to work, to give room for the negotiations. We however want to warn that should the one week lapse before an agreement, then we will have no alternative but to resume the strike,” MOA President Albert Karacha announced.
Murkomen’s intervention now signals growing concern within government over the economic impact prolonged transport disruptions could have on businesses and ordinary Kenyans.
Transport disruptions in the country have previously resulted in major losses, traffic chaos and delayed business operations, particularly in Nairobi where millions rely on public transport daily.
The latest development highlights the delicate balancing act facing the government as it attempts to manage pressure from transport operators while also dealing with broader concerns over fuel pricing and the cost of living.
The talks expected over the next week are likely to focus on possible solutions around fuel pricing, regulation and operational costs within the PSV sector.
For now, the temporary truce offers breathing space to commuters and businesses, even as attention shifts to whether the negotiations will produce a lasting solution or merely delay another confrontation.