The Motorists Association of Kenya has announced a nationwide strike to protest against injustices on its members across the country.
In a statement, the association has called on all drivers of matatus, buses, private vehicles, truck companies, digital taxis and boda-bodas to join the protests.
Further, the statement indicated that the nationwide protests would take place on Friday, July 26, 2024.
The protest dubbed ‘Countrywide Ultimate Strike for All Transport Stakeholders’ is expected to paralyze transport across different parts of the country.
Also Read: Ruto Speaks on Increased Road Maintenance Levy After Public Uproar
The Association lists Grievances to the Government
The association has expressed concern over several issues, which it notes are fueling the strike, including the hiked road maintenance levy.
Additionally, it has highlighted the government’s failure to adopt the multi-agency report and other stakeholders’ recommendations, rampant extortion from the police.
Other issues include lack of representation in key transport bodies, insecurity along the highways, and illegal toll deals by the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA).
Also Read: LSK Issues Ultimatum on Road Maintenance Levy Hike
Matatus and other Motorists Make Recommendations
The association now wants the fuel Levy to be maintained at Ksh18.
Also, it has called on the government to adopt the multi-agency report and recommendations given by other stakeholders over the levies.
Moreover, the motorists want police and counties extortion to stop and are calling for the restructuring of government key transport bodies.
In addition, the operators want security to be beefed up along different highways across the country and cancellation of illegal toll deals and tenders.
Speaking in Kuresoi North, Nakuru County on July 15, President William Ruto lauded the government’s move to increase the levy arguing that it will help his administration to have enough funds set aside for the maintenance of roads.
His remarks came after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increased the Road Maintenance Levy by 35% during its monthly review of pump prices.
“Today we have made a significant progress as government. We have made sure that we collect enough money raised from fuel levy so that we finish the roads that are currently stalled and those that have potholes, for transport to run smoothly.
“We also made sure that the fuel levy doesn’t affect Kenyans as the prices at the pump,” he said.
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