Confusion Over Planned Matatu Strike Causes Major Traffic Jams in Nairobi
Nairobi public matau strike confusion led to commuters being stranded on Monday morning, thus causing the entire city to be at a standstill as far as traffic flow is concerned.
Long queues were reported at major bus stops as many matatus failed to operate as usual. Thousands of commuters were forced to walk long distances. Besides that, commuters also used motorcycle taxis (bodabodas), which further contributed to traffic congestion on the main roads.
Simon Karakacha, the chairman of the Matatu Owners Association, said that the strike was a result of matatu crews’ continuous harassment by bodaboda operators in various towns. He mentioned the problem of matatu operators being attacked, with some of their vehicles being set on fire, thus, among other things, making up the list of grievances of the matatu operators.
Karakacha declared the intention of holding strikes every Monday and explained that matatu owners are still willing to negotiate with the government for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
“We are prepared to talk to the government in order to find a solution to this problem that will be lasting, ” he added.
By midday, regular transport services had largely been restored, thus the city was no longer experiencing traffic jams. However, drivers and operators mentioned that the disruption had already led to significant losses of money.
They appealed to the government to act without delay to resolve the reported harassment and to put a stop to any further disruptions of public transport sector in Nairobi.