Matatu industry stakeholders have announced a nationwide strike starting Monday, August 26th, 2024, until further notice.
In a statement made on 21 August, the stakeholders said that the decision comes after the government failed to address critical issues affecting the public service vehicle (PSV) sector.
“The Matatu industry, together with other transport stakeholders in the Public Service sector, is deeply concerned about the government’s mishandling of critical issues affecting our industry. As a result, we are compelled to take action,” read the statement in part.
One of their primary grievances revolves around the recent increase in fuel levy, which they say has significantly increased their operational costs.
They noted that the hike from Ksh. 18 to Ksh. 25 per litre has placed an additional financial burden on drivers and motor owners alike, prompting their calls for the government to reconsider this decision.
Matatu Owners List Issues That Have Led to the Strike Decision
Insurance issues are also at the forefront of the stakeholders’ concerns with operators decrying the high premiums and troubling delays and, in some cases, denials in claim settlements.
This situation has been made worse by abrupt cancellations of insurance policies, leaving many drivers vulnerable and without coverage.
The strike is further fueled by frustrations over aggressive repossession practices by auctioneers and exploitative lending from microfinance institutions.
Reports indicate that around 100 vehicles are being auctioned daily in Nairobi alone, highlighting the severity of the issue and the impact on operators’ livelihoods.
Additionally, the statement notes that matatu drivers continue to face harassment from police and county officials, who are accused of extorting money through unlawful fines.
They are also accusing the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) of incompetency with stakeholders arguing that the agency has failed to provide efficient regulation and oversight, further complicating the challenges faced by PSV operators.
Also Read: Matatu Operators Issue New Strike Threat
Matatu Operators Give Their Recommendations
To address these concerns, the stakeholders have outlined recommendations such as retaining the RMLF at Ksh. 18, regulating auctioneers and microfinances, and disbanding the NTSA Board among others listed below.
- Government to retain RMLF at Ksh. 18.
- Insurance companies to pay claims timely and as per the law.
- Auctioneers and microfinances should be regulated by the government.
- Police and County harassment should stop immediately.
- NTSA Board should be disbanded and a new one appointed with key stakeholders’ involvement.
The statement notes that on the day of the strike, all PSV operations will cease from 6:00 AM on August 26th, 2024, until further notice is issued.
Also Read: Matatu Owners Give Govt New Ultimatum After Aborted Strike
Also, they plan to place strategic blockades at key transport hubs and engage in public awareness campaigns to draw attention to their issues.
The stakeholders are urging all PSV operators, companies, and Saccos to participate in this collective action so as to address the pressing issues facing the industry.
“We urge all PSV operators, companies, and Saccos to fully participate in this strike to address these pressing issues,” they said.
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