The countrywide Matatu strike will continue on Tuesday after talks between the government and transport stakeholders failed to reach an agreement on Monday night.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir led the discussions, which lasted several hours in Nairobi. However, protracted talks failed to resolve important issues underlying the recent increases in fuel prices that precipitated the strike.
The talks had made “progress,” Wandayi said in a late-night press briefing. But matatu leaders were quick to explain that they had not finalised any deal with the government.
Transport operators said they only agreed on measures to tackle fuel adulteration.The plan seeks to eliminate the price gap between diesel and kerosene and stop the illegal mixing of the two fuels.
Association of Matatu Transport Owners Chairperson Kushian Muchiri said talks over diesel prices had not reached an agreement.
“We have set another meeting, and in the meantime, drivers and owners of vehicles should continue to keep off the roads with their vehicles,” said Muchiri.
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Matatu Owners Association President Albert Karagacha also directed operators to extend the strike for a second day.
The Matatu strike has severely impacted transportation in Nairobi and other counties due to rising fuel prices set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). In the latest fuel review, petrol prices rose by KSh 16.65 per litre, while diesel increased by KSh 46.29.
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On Monday, thousands of commuters were left stranded as operators took their vehicles off the roads. Schools, businesses, and cargo transport were disrupted in different parts of the country.
The government says it is still in discussion with stakeholders to find a solution to the growing transport crisis.
