Matatu Drivers and Conductors Threaten Fresh Strike After Bosses and Government Cut a Deal That Left Workers With Nothing

Kenya could be staring at another public transport paralysis after matatu drivers and conductors threatened to withdraw their services, accusing both the government and vehicle owners of sidelining them during crucial negotiations on fuel prices and working conditions.

The standoff escalated on May 27 after the Matatu Workers Union and the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association declared they would not resume normal operations until their grievances are addressed.

Speaking during a tense press briefing, MWU Secretary General Maurice Oduor accused matatu owners of exploiting workers despite soaring fuel and operational costs.

“Employers have decided that they will take their money. If a car was worth Ksh8,000, he will charge Ksh8,000 without knowing that the cost of fuel has gone up,” Oduor said.

The latest threats come barely days after the nationwide matatu strike was officially called off following high-level talks between President William Ruto and transport stakeholders at State House in Mombasa on May 22.

The negotiations resulted in a Ksh10 reduction in diesel prices, bringing the cost down to Ksh232.86 per litre until the next monthly review cycle in June.

Before the intervention, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority had announced a record diesel price of Ksh242.92 per litre, placing enormous pressure on the public transport sector, which relies heavily on diesel-powered vehicles.

However, transport workers argue the reduction is cosmetic and nowhere near enough to stabilise the industry. Sector players estimate that diesel prices would need to drop by at least Ksh46 per litre for operators to comfortably meet expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and workers’ wages.

At the centre of the growing anger is the claim that drivers and conductors were completely excluded from negotiations that ended the previous strike.

Workers accuse matatu owners of secretly cutting a deal with the government while ignoring the concerns of those who operate the vehicles daily under difficult conditions.

“This is sad because they were the ones who agreed with the government to end the matatu strike without involving us,” Oduor lamented.

The workers further claim that despite rising fuel prices and inflation, their earnings have remained stagnant, leaving many struggling to survive despite working long and exhausting hours.

The dispute has now exposed widening cracks within Kenya’s transport sector, with even sections of the Motorists Association of Kenya accusing the government of holding exclusive negotiations that fail to protect ordinary commuters and workers.

In response to the backlash, Johnson Sakaja recently pledged to ensure all stakeholders, including workers, are represented in future negotiations involving Matatu SACCOs and the government.