Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called for dialogue between government and transport sector leaders after a planned strike was suspended for one week to allow consultations on rising fuel-related challenges.
The Nairobi Governor said the temporary suspension would allow all parties to engage and find a lasting solution to the crisis affecting public transport and the wider economy.
Sakaja said the decision to halt the strike was necessary to prevent further disruption to essential services, noting that ordinary Kenyans were already struggling with the high cost of living.
“The leaders of the matatu sector, the truck association, boda boda and digital transporters have agreed that we must come together and listen to each other,” he said.
Transport Disruptions Affect Essential Services
He noted that the transport disruption had already affected school-going children, patients seeking medical care and farmers trying to move produce to markets.
“Children have not gone to school, people are sick, others need to go to hospital, and farm produce must be transported. That is why we chose to step aside and engage through dialogue,” Sakaja said.
The Governor emphasised that despite differences between operators and government, all parties shared a common responsibility to protect the economy and support citizens facing financial pressure.
He assured Nairobi residents and Kenyans at large that consultations would continue at the highest level to address the concerns raised by transport operators.
Appeal to Financial Institutions
Sakaja also appealed to financial institutions to show flexibility during the ongoing economic difficulties, saying many Kenyans were under immense strain.
“We are in extraordinary times. The crisis we are facing is global. Let us not take it out on our people,” he said.
He suggested that lenders consider temporary relief measures or amnesty arrangements for affected operators and wananchi struggling to meet financial obligations.
At the same time, the Governor acknowledged that fuel prices had risen sharply and admitted there were limitations on what government could immediately do.
However, he promised that more engagements would take place in the coming days to ease the burden on Kenyans.
Sakaja further thanked the Cabinet Secretaries for Interior, Energy and Transport for supporting the consultations and encouraging continued engagement with the transport sector beyond moments of crisis.
He said the broader goal was to improve public transportation and ensure it remains affordable, reliable and accessible for all Kenyans.
