Transport sector stakeholders have called off the nationwide matatu strike following consultations with President William Ruto in Mombasa.
Leaders from the public transport sector announced the decision after what was described as productive engagements concerning fuel prices, insurance concerns and regulations affecting the industry.
“The strike that we had suspended has been called off fully and we are hoping that this will take immediate effect everybody to return the vehicles on the road…,” said the Chairperson of the Public Transport Sector, Edwin Mukabana.
The operators had on Tuesday this week suspended the strike for seven days to pave way for talks with the government.
Among the issues raised during the talks were insurance disputes, auctioneering practices, digital taxi regulations and challenges facing public transport operators.
President Ruto directed the Ministry of Transport to engage financial institutions to explore temporary relief measures for transport operators servicing vehicle loans amid the ongoing fuel crisis.
He also directed an immediate review of the Insurance Act and the Auctioneers Act within the next three months to create a fairer framework for transport operators.
“There is a big issue about transport operators despite having insurance covers for their vehicles and passengers ending up paying bills when accidents occur while insurance companies go scot-free. This is something we must address,” the President said.
The government also committed to engaging ride-hailing companies and drivers to implement regulations on minimum taxi fares and resolve long-running disputes within the digital taxi sector.
Additionally, the Head of State directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to facilitate an enabling environment for matatu operators to continue using graffiti and artwork on vehicles while maintaining safety standards.
Transport sector leaders welcomed the interventions, saying they address long-standing grievances within the sector.
“We are all looking forward to His Excellency to ensure that he drives the agenda of the public transport. We were promised a lot of things including the electric motor vehicle, and we came up with very many resolutions. It is very good that you have spoken about it,” Mukabana said.
The transport operators also pledged to continue working with the government to ensure stability in the sector and avoid disruptions to the economy.
