Thousands of Nairobi commuters were stranded on Monday morning after public service vehicle operators resumed their strike, defying an earlier decision to suspend industrial action for two weeks to allow negotiations with the government and security agencies.
The renewed disruption, the second in as many weeks, saw most matatus stay off the roads, paralysing transport across the capital and leaving commuters scrambling for the few vehicles that were operating.
Operators are demanding decisive police action against rogue boda boda riders accused of torching matatus and attacking crews following road accidents involving motorcycles.
On Saturday, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) announced a temporary suspension of the strike after meeting senior police officials, who pledged to crack down on criminal elements targeting public transport vehicles. The association said investigators had already gathered evidence and identified suspects linked to previous attacks.
At key pick-up points, crowds surged each time a matatu appeared, triggering near stampedes as commuters fought for limited seats.
“We have had deliberate engagement, and while some issues remain unresolved, we agreed to suspend the Monday strike and move forward as we address the matters,” an association official said during a press briefing, citing goodwill from operators.
Peter Murima of the Motorists Association of Kenya said operators had agreed to give authorities time to act but warned that the industry remained on high alert.
“This decision has been informed by the seriousness we have seen from the government that action will be taken,” Murima said, adding that any further torching of matatus would trigger immediate action from operators.
The announcement had briefly reassured commuters still reeling from a similar shutdown the previous Monday, when many were forced to walk long distances to work. However, by early Monday, chaos had returned to major termini.
At key pick-up points including Archives, Latema Road, OTC, Bus Station, Commercial and Tom Mboya Street, long queues formed as anxious passengers waited for hours. Each arriving matatu triggered surging crowds and near stampedes as commuters competed for limited seats.
Some passengers opted to walk to their destinations, while others turned to ride-hailing services, despite sharply higher fares. Workers, students and traders were among the hardest hit, with many reporting late arrivals.
The disruption was worsened by heavy traffic on major feeder roads, including Waiyaki Way, Thika Road, Mombasa Road and Jogoo Road. With fewer vehicles in operation, turnaround times increased, compounding delays in the central business district.
Some operators took advantage of the shortage and hiked fares, in some cases charging double the usual rates.
Matatu operators insist the withdrawal of services is aimed at pressuring authorities to guarantee the safety of crews and passengers, arguing that violent retaliation by boda boda groups after accidents has become a persistent threat.
There was cautious optimism that the situation could ease later in the day, as happened during last week’s strike. Industry insiders said some saccos that had withheld their fleets could gradually release vehicles as talks with security agencies continue.
For now, the renewed disruption has once again exposed Nairobi’s heavy reliance on matatus and the fragile balance between transport services, public safety, and law enforcement.
