By Allan Kisia
The Kenya Red Cross said it is monitoring situation as it evolves. Movement was disrupted in several parts of the country on Monday after a nationwide matatu strike over soaring fuel prices paralysed transport services.
In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross Society said the strike had caused significant transport disruptions in multiple counties as public service vehicles, taxis, boda bodas and trucks stayed off the roads.
“Movement has been disrupted in several parts of the country following a nationwide transport sector strike linked to fuel price increases,” the agency said.
The humanitarian organisation named Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Kisumu, Embu, Murang’a and Makueni counties among the areas affected by the industrial action.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, major disruption was reported along Thika Road, Kitengela, Rongai, Machakos Junction and North Airport Road, with many commuters forced to walk long distances after failing to secure transport.
“Kenya Red Cross is monitoring the situation as it evolves,” the organisation said.
Protesters have blocked sections of the Thika Superhighway, Kenyatta Road, Magadi Road, and the Nakuru-Nairobi and Meru-Nairobi highways using stones and bonfires.
Police have been deployed in several affected areas.
Thousands of commuters in Nairobi were left stranded after matatu operators made good on their threat to paralyse public transport services in protest against the latest fuel price hike.
Bus stages across the city were packed with frustrated commuters as early as 5 am, with many hoping to secure transport before the strike fully took effect. However, most routes remained deserted as matatus stayed off the roads, triggering chaos and delays for workers and students trying to reach their destinations.
The few available private vehicles and taxis took advantage of the shortage by charging inflated fares, while boda boda riders also hiked their charges as desperate commuters sought alternative means of transport.
The disruption followed a joint statement issued on Sunday, May 17, by the Transport Sector Alliance announcing a nationwide shutdown of operations in protest against the recent fuel price increase by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The Truckers Association of Kenya also joined matatu operators in threatening a nationwide strike over the sharp rise in fuel prices.
Truckers Association General Secretary Dennis Kilia warned that transporters and truck drivers would completely down their tools unless the government intervened to lower fuel prices.
The Matatu Owners Association, led by chairman Albert Karakacha, maintained that operators could no longer sustain the rising operational costs brought about by the latest fuel review.
However, John Mbadi has criticised the strike, terming it unnecessary despite acknowledging that rising fuel prices were hurting ordinary Kenyans and businesses.
Speaking during an interview with NTV Kenya, Mbadi said the government was handling the matter cautiously because the fuel crisis was linked to global developments beyond Kenya’s control.
“In my view, the strike is completely uncalled for even though the prices of fuel have gone up,” Mbadi said.
“My concern is that we are trying to solve a global problem, applying domestic means, which is not appropriate.” The Star