Matatu Owners Issue Way Forward After Paralysing Transport in Nairobi
Matatu operators blocked several Key routes in Nairobi, including Thika Super Highway and Waiyaki way during their nationwide protests on Monday, February 2...
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Matatu operators in Kenya have vowed to continue their strike every Monday until President William Ruto addresses their grievances regarding increasing lawlessness by boda boda operators. The operators are demanding a direct meeting with the president and are back on the streets today, February 9, after a previous strike on January 28.
- Albert Karagacha, President of the Matatu Owners Association, stated the strike would occur every Monday until negotiations with President Ruto.
- The previous strike on January 28 saw matatu operators block key routes in Nairobi, including Thika Super Highway and Waiyaki Way, leading to significant delays and police intervention.
- The Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK) supported the strike, highlighting that "at least nine vehicles, including matatus, buses, trucks, and private cars," have been torched by mobs following road incidents.
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Matatu Strike Paralyzes Transport in Nairobi and Major Towns - February 2026
Chaos erupted on Monday, February 2, 2026, across Nairobi and other major Kenyan towns as a significant portion of the matatu industry went on strike, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. Matatu operators have vowed to continue their strike every Monday until President William Ruto addresses their grievances regarding what they term as increasing lawlessness by boda boda operators. The operators, who were also on strike on January 28, are demanding a direct meeting with the president. In response to the protests, police in Nairobi's Central Business District removed number plates and towed matatus that were blocking streets. Officers also used tear gas to disperse protestors as they worked to restore normal traffic flow.
