Matatu Owners suspend planned strike to allow negotiation with government

Matatu Owners Association Chairman Albert Karakacha. [Standard, File]

The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has suspended a planned strike set for Monday, August 26, MOA Chairman Albert Karakacha announced.

Karakacha said the decision followed outreach from the government expressing a willingness to negotiate.

The MOA had called for the strike over issues including police corruption, harassment, and the fuel levy.

"The government has agreed to sit down with us and have negotiations; that is why we have suspended the strike. However, if we do not reach an agreement, the strike will continue," Karakacha said.

Earlier, the Matatu Movement Kenya, led by Chairman Paul Thiong'o, also called off their planned strike after a meeting with the National Police Service.

Thiong'o, who is also the chairman of Forward Travelers Sacco, said the meeting resulted in a decision to postpone the strike to allow the government time to address their concerns. Thiong'o said Nairobi matatu operators will meet with Traffic Commandant Mary Omari and divisional traffic officers on Tuesday to discuss police harassment of operators.

"Matters to be addressed through other government bodies include ensuring insurance companies fully cover victims, preventing vehicle seizures to cover victim awards, and requiring insurance companies under receivership to cater for all liabilities and victim awards," Thiong'o said.

He also suggested that the government consider establishing a body to insure public transport vehicles.

National Police Service spokesperson Dr Resila Onyango confirmed the meeting and described it as consultative.

"The discussion focused on enhancing road harmony through collaboration, cooperation, and providing a conducive working environment between the police and the matatu industry," Dr Onyango said.