Operations in the public transport sector could soon be paralysed after matatu drivers and conductors threatened to stage a nationwide strike over what they termed as unfair exclusion from fuel price reduction negotiations involving the government and vehicle owners.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, May 27, leaders from the Matatu Workers Union (MWU) and the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LODCA) accused employers of making decisions behind workers’ backs without considering the welfare of drivers and conductors who keep the sector running daily.
MWU Secretary General Maurice Oduor lamented that despite the rising fuel prices and increased operational costs, many employers have refused to lower daily remittance targets imposed on drivers.
According to him, workers are struggling to survive as they continue working under harsh conditions with little financial relief.
The fresh tensions come barely days after the nationwide matatu strike was called off following talks between President William Ruto and transport stakeholders at State House in Mombasa.
The agreement reportedly resulted in a Ksh10 reduction in diesel prices, bringing the cost to Ksh232.86 per litre until the next EPRA review cycle.
However, matatu industry players insist the reduction is insufficient, arguing that diesel prices remain too high for the transport sector to operate comfortably.
Stakeholders claim a reduction of at least Ksh46 per litre is needed to ease the burden on operators, drivers, and conductors.
Workers also expressed anger after learning that negotiations to end the previous strike allegedly took place without the involvement of any drivers or conductors.
Oduor accused employers of agreeing with the government privately while ignoring the concerns of workers who are directly affected by the high fuel prices and tough working environment.
The protests by matatu workers come shortly after a section of the motorists’ lobby also criticised the government over alleged secret negotiations, claiming the agreement reached does not fully protect ordinary Kenyans who rely heavily on public transport services.
Meanwhile, Johnson Sakaja has promised that future discussions involving the matatu sector will include all stakeholders to avoid further disagreements and possible disruptions in public transport.
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