Matatu operators in Kisii County joined the nationwide strike announced by the Transport Sector Alliance over the recent high fuel increase by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
A spot check by KNA at the Kisii main stage revealed that the strike had significantly affected the matatu sector and commuters.
Many stages remained deserted as matatus withdrew services, leaving passengers stranded and forcing others to walk long distances to their workplaces.
Speaking at the Stage in Kisii town, Ena Coach Sacco’s driver Justin Kang’wana noted the disruption had led to poor business since all the operations were at a standstill.
“Today, there is a significant decrease in activities at the stage since there are no matatus ferrying passengers,” Kang’wana said.
Dennis Oboka, another matatu operator from Premium Coach, expressed concern over the situation, noting that the increase in fares had discouraged many travellers from using public transport.
John Mbiti, a driver who plies the Kisii-Narok-Gilgil route, said his vehicle was grounded at the stage following the strike.
Mbiti noted that President William Ruto had failed to address the rising costs of fuel, a pledge he had promised to fulfil during his tenure as the Deputy President.
Geoffrey Atanja, a Manager at Narok Shuttle, expressed his frustrations with the government, saying the matatu sector has continued to incur losses under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“The fuel prices have increased from Sh120 to Sh246 under President Ruto’s administration, forcing us to earn meagre profits,” Atanja said.
He pointed out that most matatu workers relied on daily wages and the strike had greatly affected their only source of income. The manager urged the government to reduce fuel prices to match neighbouring countries.
Everlyne Kerubo, a trader at the stage, also decried the limited flow of customers due to the harsh economic times, adding that a revision of the fuel prices will improve the small businesses.
Notably, most of the matatus have since effected the 50 per cent increase in fare prices across the county, with commuters opting to walk to work or stay at home until the situation stabilises.
The recent review by EPRA saw petrol prices rise by Sh16.65 per litre and diesel by Sh46.29 per litre, thereby pushing transport operators to the brink.
As a result, matatu operators called for a nationwide strike and a 50 per cent increase in fares, citing high operational costs and reduced profitability.
The strike continues to evolve as both stakeholders in the transport sector and commuters await government intervention to ease the high burden being witnessed in the industry.
By Sandra Orina and Laura Atieno
