Nairobi commuters faced massive disruption on Monday morning after a matatu strike brought public transport operations to a near standstill, leaving thousands stranded across the city.
Photos and videos seen by Nairobileo.co.ke showed huge crowds of passengers waiting at bus stops in several estates, with many struggling to find transport into the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Most of the affected commuters were workers heading to the city centre, forcing some to walk long distances while others turned to boda bodas as an alternative means of transport.
Nairobi transport disrupted after matatu operators suspend operations. Photo: Courtesy.
The situation worsened after matatu operators blocked sections of major roads leading into the CBD, including parts of Thika Road, causing heavy traffic snarl-ups.
The strike follows a nationwide protest call issued by the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) alongside other transport stakeholders over rising fuel prices.
The transport players accused the government and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) of burdening operators and Kenyans with repeated fuel price increases.
According to the organisers, the industrial action involves matatu operators, boda boda associations, digital taxi drivers, tourist transport operators, cargo transporters, and commuter representatives.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) has assured Kenyans of adequate security during the demonstrations.
NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga noted that police officers had been deployed in various parts of the country to maintain order and ensure normal operations continue uninterrupted.
