Transport chaos looms in Nairobi as matatu operators protest exclusion

Nairobi is bracing for potential transportation chaos after matatu operators threatened to go on strike over alleged exclusion in the ongoing city upgrade plan.

The operators claim the county failed to involve them in something that has had negative implications for their business.

They cited the road tarmacking projects, part of the redevelopment initiative, which they argue caught them and has now severely disrupted their operations.

"The matatu operators have cited violation and impunity being carried out by the Nairobi County government without regard to constitutional requirements," Jairus Okatsa, the matatu operators' representative claimed.

He alleged there was no public participation before the implementation of the program which has already resulted in business losses to their members.

The ongoing project, they said, is currently being undertaken along Tom Mboya, Koja to Haile Selassie, River Road, Latema, and Accra roads.

“The project has already started and if you can witness, the entire place affected is where the matatus operate from,” he added.

Okatsa emphasized the need for a cooperative approach to mitigate losses and ensure the sustainable functioning of their businesses.

They now want the county to urgently address their concerns and prevent the imminent strike that could paralyze daily commutes for the Nairobi residents.

The ongoing works which started a month ago across the city involve laying new cabro blocks along the pavements, recarpeting the streets with the asphalt concrete overlay, and barricading non-motorised sections.

The county is utilising the asphalt (bitumen) plant in the Industrial area in the road improvement project.

Paving of pedestrian sidewalks started in 2020 under the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) to improve the aesthetic appearance of the city.

Governor Johnson Sakaja promised to give the city a face-lift when he took to power.

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