Matatu operators have officially called off their planned nationwide strike following high-level talks with President William Ruto at State House in Mombasa. The breakthrough announcement, made on Friday, May 22, during a press briefing, brings immense relief to thousands of commuters who had feared major transport disruptions. The industrial action, which was scheduled to resume on Monday, May 26, had been threatened amid growing frustration within the sector.

The planned strike stemmed from significant concerns over rising operational costs and challenges affecting matatu operators across the country. Key grievances included skyrocketing fuel prices, particularly high diesel costs, alongside persistent insurance-related challenges and increasing general operating expenses. Transport stakeholders had argued that these factors were severely hurting the sustainability of their businesses, leading to days of tension within the sector.

The consultative meeting at State House involved government officials and representatives from the public transport sector, including Albert Karakacha, Chair of the Matatu Owners Association, and Edwin Mukabana, chairperson of the Federation of Public Transport Sector. President Ruto announced fresh interventions during these high-stakes deliberations. Among the measures discussed were a KSh10 reduction in diesel prices for the June–July pricing cycle and promises of broader reforms within the transport sector. These reforms are set to include plans to engage banks on cheaper financing options for matatu owners, a comprehensive review of insurance-related concerns, and the introduction of new regulations targeting digital taxi platforms.

Speaking after the discussions, both sector leaders confirmed the suspension of the planned industrial action. Albert Karakacha stated that operators had agreed to suspend the strike and would continue offering transport services, assuring the public that there would be no nationwide matatu strike next week as earlier threatened. Edwin Mukabana reinforced this, directing all industry players, including investors, drivers, and conductors, to resume normal operations immediately. He emphasized, “I am announcing to all our members, especially our investors, drivers and conductors, that following our deliberations with His Excellency, the strike we had suspended has now been fully called off. We expect this to take immediate effect, and everyone should return their vehicles to the road.”

This decision marks a massive shift in the unfolding transport crisis, averting a looming transport paralysis across major towns and cities. Commuters, particularly in Nairobi, had already experienced significant disruptions during recent protests and transport demonstrations. The calling off of the strike is expected to restore normal transport operations, allowing for structured dialogue with the government to address the long-term challenges faced by the public transport sector.