Transport operators have suspended their planned nationwide protests for one week following high-level negotiations with the government, bringing temporary relief to millions of commuters across Kenya.
The breakthrough came after a closed-door meeting between government officials and representatives from the public transport sector held at Harambee House in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 19.
Speaking during a press briefing, Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), digital cab operators and other transport stakeholders had agreed to halt the strike to allow further consultations.
The suspension means matatus, taxis and other public service vehicles are expected to resume normal operations across the country immediately after days of uncertainty that had threatened to paralyse transport services.
Murkomen revealed that the government had opened fresh negotiations with industry leaders aimed at resolving the grievances raised by operators.
“Following a consultative meeting this morning between the government and representatives of the transport sector, it was agreed that there was need for negotiations between the government and the stakeholders at a high level,” Murkomen announced.
He added: “Those negotiations must be undertaken within the next one week. Following the negotiations, it was agreed that the ongoing strike be suspended for a period of one week to provide an avenue for consultation between the government and the stakeholders.”
The transport sector had threatened nationwide disruption amid mounting tensions over unresolved operational concerns, with fears growing that commuters and businesses would suffer major economic setbacks if the strike continued.
At the same time, the Matatu Owners Association urged its members to return to work immediately as talks continue behind the scenes.
MOA President Albert Karakacha warned, however, that operators were prepared to resume industrial action if the government failed to honour its commitments within the agreed timeline.
“We are urging our members to report back to work to give room for the negotiations,” Karakacha stated.
He added: “We however want to warn that should the one week lapse before an agreement, then we will have no alternative but to resume the strike.”
The latest developments now place pressure on the government to secure a lasting deal before the May 26 deadline, with millions of Kenyans closely watching whether the fragile truce will hold.
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