Public transport operators have officially called off the nationwide strike that had disrupted movement across the country after holding talks with William Ruto over rising fuel prices and challenges facing the sector.
The announcement was made on Friday during a press briefing held at State House in Mombasa following discussions between government officials and representatives from the public transport industry.
Officials from the Federation of Public Transport Sector confirmed that the strike, which had earlier been suspended temporarily, had now been fully called off to allow room for continued engagement with the government.
Federation chair Edwin Mukabana directed matatu investors, drivers and conductors to immediately resume operations and return vehicles to the roads.
“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,” Mukabana stated.
The move follows a commitment by President Ruto to further reduce diesel prices by Ksh10 during the June-July fuel pricing cycle in a bid to ease pressure on transport operators and consumers.
Following the planned adjustment, diesel prices in Nairobi are expected to retail at Ksh222.86 per litre, while super petrol will remain at Ksh214.25 and kerosene at Ksh191.38.
Transport stakeholders also welcomed government promises to address other long-standing issues affecting the sector, including concerns surrounding insurance costs and regulations on graffiti in public service vehicles.
At the same time, Association of Matatu Transport Owners chair Kushian Muchiri apologised to Kenyans over the violence and destruction witnessed during the protests held on May 19 and 20.
Muchiri said the transport sector had only intended to withdraw vehicles from the roads but claimed criminal elements infiltrated the demonstrations leading to destruction of property and attacks in several towns.
During the protests, several vehicles were torched while schools, businesses and other public facilities were vandalised in different parts of the country. Cases of injuries and deaths were also reported as police moved in to disperse demonstrators and clear blocked roads.
The strike had paralysed transport services in many towns, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and businesses affected by disruptions.
Transport operators now say they will continue engaging the government through further talks with Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir to address remaining concerns within the sector.
With the strike now officially called off, normal public transport operations are expected to resume fully across the country.
