Nairobi matatu operators to block roads in Thursday strike
Nairobi commuters should brace for long treks to work after matatu operators announced plans to go on strike beginning Thursday morning.
The matatu operators have vowed to block all roads leading to the city centre in a massive strike expected to shutdown transport in the capital.
They will be protesting a decision by Governor Evans Kidero to cancel all parking permits for Public Service Vehicles (PSV) in the city centre.
Dr Kidero, while directing for the cancellation of the permits, argued that illegal matatu termini in the city centre had caused congestion and inconvenienced traders.
City Hall askaris had on Wednesday blocked out matatu termini located on Ronald Ngala Street and near Gill House on Tom Mboya Street.
The crackdown affected matatus plying the routes of Githurai, Umoja, Komarock, Saika, Huruma and Kariobangi North.
The matatu operators on Wednesday dismissed the Governor’s directive as arrogant and disrespectful.
The Matatu Welfare Association (MWA) announced that the strike will start Thursday 5am and no matatu will be allowed to carry passengers.
In a press briefing, MWA chairperson Dickson Mbugua demanded that Governor Kidero revokes his directive on parking permits.
He also directed all leaders of matatu saccos to not pay seasonal tickets to the county government until the Governor withdraws his directive.
Thursday’s strike will be supported by Kenya Bus Service (KBS) and Double ‘M’ fleet who have traditionally never supported such strikes.
