The Transport Workers Union (TAWU) staged a protest against the exclusion of its members from decision-making processes surrounding Nairobi's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, according to reports. The demonstration, organized in collaboration with the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), saw workers march from Nacico Plaza to the Ministry of Transport in Nairobi to submit a formal petition to Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia.
TAWU Secretary General Dan Mihadi criticized the absence of transport workers from the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA) board, which oversees the BRT implementation. "We are the ones managing the industry daily and possess critical technical knowledge, yet we are excluded from meetings," Mihadi stated. The union highlighted that the Matatu Owners Association is represented on the board but not its members, who operate Nairobi's informal public transport network.
The BRT project, part of Kenya's broader integrated transport strategy, aims to reduce road congestion by introducing dedicated bus lanes, trains, and a streamlined public transport system. The Ministry of Transport has finalized the purchase of 64 BRT buses from South Africa, with additional negotiations underway for 11 diesel trains from Spain. Local manufacturing of 900 BRT buses is planned after the pilot phase.
Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga addressed concerns during a meeting with workers, emphasizing job creation opportunities. "The BRT will provide employment for all of you. We will collaborate with your union leaders to ensure Matatu workers are represented," he said. However, TAWU and ITF representatives argued that transparency and inclusion remain unresolved issues.
The proposed BRT buses feature specifications including dual right-side doors, driver-controlled safety systems, roll-over protection, and electronic payment mechanisms. The project faces delays due to ongoing negotiations and logistical challenges, according to industry observers.
