Prepare for a challenging day tomorrow and for the following Mondays, as a segment of public service vehicle operators has announced their intention to strike.
On Sunday, several associations expressed serious concerns regarding the rampant impunity on Kenyan roads, particularly highlighting the alarming trend of vehicles being set ablaze following accidents.
This announcement has created confusion among the public, especially after another group of public service operators decided to cancel their planned strike after a meeting with Nairobi Police Chief George Sedah on Saturday.
Operators from the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) issued a notice stating that suspending the strike would facilitate dialogue among stakeholders in the transport sector, aiming to alleviate rising tensions.
“After discussions involving representatives from Boda Boda Operators, PSV Operators, and security agencies, we have agreed to suspend the Matatu Strike scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, to allow for meaningful dialogue,” the notice stated.
“Public transport will continue to operate as usual, and discussions will persist toward a sustainable solution,” it further emphasized.
However, representatives from the truck association and public service vehicles, alongside Wasafi boda boda transport, have expressed their support for the strike planned for Monday.
Inter-Corridor Mobility Chairman Joseph Kagai firmly stated that the strike will proceed as scheduled.
“We must respect the property of investors. We will down our tools on Monday,” Kagai asserted.
Sector representatives addressed the media at the Bomblast Memorial Park on Sunday, where Mass Mobility Secretary General Wilfred Bosire placed the blame on the Interior Ministry and the National Police Service for their perceived inaction.
“No one will retract their support for the strike because we are dealing with an unresponsive government; our demand is for safe roads,” Bosire declared.
Paul Thiongo from Forward Travellers highlighted the broader impact of these incidents, stating that when a single vehicle is torched, it affects more than ten families. He announced that the strike would persist every Monday until the government takes action.
Karakacha warned that the ongoing strike could cost the government approximately Sh3 billion daily, stressing the need for compensation for investors who have lost their vehicles.
John Makori from Wasafi boda boda outlined their initiatives aimed at restoring order within the sector. He condemned the lawlessness that tarnishes their reputation.
“We do not condone criminal groups operating among us; they damage our credibility,” Makori stated.
He explained that their initiatives include a QR code system that provides detailed information about each rider, alongside identification badges featuring QR codes for added security and accountability.
