Matatu strike is still on, operators say

Kushian Muchiri, Chair, Association of Matatu Transport Owners./SCREENGRAB

The Transport Sector Alliance has said the ongoing strike that crippled the transport industry on Monday is still on.

During the presser at Transcom House on Monday, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi initially indicated that progress had been made.

"One of these issues was the matter of possible adulteration of diesel due to the huge disparity in the prices of diesel and kerosene. We have come to the understanding that for prudence purposes and to eliminate the risk of fuel adulteration on account of this huge disparity and to save the motor vehicles operating using diesel from possible malfunction, we are going to bridge the gap between the prices of diesel and petrol. That would mean that the price of kerosene would have to go higher as that of diesel comes lower to bridge that gap," Wandayi said.

However, the briefing was briefly interrupted by representatives from the matatu sector who insisted that no binding agreement had been reached.

"We are law-abiding citizens, and we abide by the law; the strike is still on – aluta continua", one of the matatu stakeholders said.

Stakeholders in the talks acknowledged that there was broad agreement on the need to address adulteration risks, noting that aligning fuel prices would discourage the illegal blending of kerosene with diesel, a practice blamed for engine damage in commercial vehicles.

According to Kushian Muchiri, Chair, Association of Matatu Transport Owners, they have only agreed on the part of adulteration that the price of diesel and kerosene be at par.

"On the issue of the diesel prices, that one we have not agreed on, and we have scheduled another meeting. In the meantime, it is our request that all our drivers and owners of vehicles continue keeping their vehicles at home. No disruption, no rioting as we await better engagements which will save the economy," Kusian said.

The government further indicated that the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority would release revised fuel prices later in the night as part of its statutory mandate.

Despite the discussions, the matatu sector maintained its position, signalling that transport disruptions could continue. The Matatu Owners Association directed operators to keep vehicles off the roads for a second consecutive day on Tuesday until further notice.

The prolonged deadlock has already left thousands of commuters stranded, disrupted business activity, and affected learning in several parts of the country as the fuel-related standoff drags on.