Matatu Sector Calls Off Strike After Ruto Secures Diesel Price Cut and Reforms

Kenya’s nationwide matatu strike ends today after transport leaders met President William Ruto and secured a Sh10 per litre diesel price cut, regulatory reforms, and new financial relief measures for operators.

The strike, which began at midnight on Monday, paralysed public transport across the country. Passengers were stranded, schools were disrupted, and workers could not reach their workplaces for days.

Ruto announced that during the June-July pricing cycle, the pump price of diesel would drop by a further Sh10 per litre. The move aims to stabilise transport costs and ease pressure on operators already struggling with high overheads.

The President also directed that buses be exempted from weighbridge stops. He ordered a review of both the Insurance Act and the Auctioneers Act, to be completed within three months, targeting a fairer regulatory framework for the sector.

What the Matatu Strike Deal Means for Operators

The Ministry of Transport will work with the Insurance Regulatory Authority to address longstanding complaints about insurance liability. Operators holding valid covers have continued paying for claims while insurers avoided settling them.

The Ministry will also engage financial institutions to develop a relief platform for operators, including a possible review of lending terms within the sector.

Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) Chief Executive Officer Kushian Muchiri said the sector chose dialogue over confrontation. He thanked the President for directing reviews of insurance and auctioneering regulations that have long burdened operators.

“Everyone who has a vehicle understands that people have died from pressure,” Muchiri said. He added that further industry concerns would continue to be discussed with Transport Cabinet Secretary David Chirchir.

Muchiri expressed hope that the next fuel pricing cycle would deliver a reduction beyond the Sh10 per litre already announced.

Strike Leaders Call on Operators to Return to the Road

Matatu Owners Association (MOA) Chairperson Albert Karakacha confirmed the strike ended with immediate effect. He called on stakeholders to set aside divisions.

“This is not a time for politics, but a time to unite and build our country,” Karakacha said.

Meanwhile, Federation of Public Transport Chairman Edwin Mukhabana urged all vehicle operators to return to the road without delay.

“We have an economy to save, and we are all looking forward to His Excellency the President to ensure we drive the agenda of public transport,” Mukhabana said.