Matatu operators officially call off strike after meeting with Ruto

Matatu operators have officially called off the planned nationwide strike following high-level talks with President William Ruto at State House in Mombasa.

The announcement was made after a meeting between government officials and representatives from the public transport sector aimed at addressing concerns over rising fuel prices and operational costs affecting matatu operators across the country.

Speaking after the discussions, Matatu Owners Association Chair Albert Karakacha confirmed that operators had agreed to suspend the planned industrial action and continue offering transport services.

According to Karakacha, there will be no nationwide matatu strike next week as earlier threatened by transport operators.

The development comes as a relief to thousands of commuters who had feared major transport disruptions following days of tension within the sector.

The planned strike had emerged amid growing frustration among operators over high diesel prices, insurance challenges, and rising operating expenses that transport stakeholders argued were hurting business sustainability.

The meeting at State House followed fresh interventions announced by President Ruto, including a KSh10 reduction in diesel prices for the June–July pricing cycle and promises of broader reforms within the transport sector.

Among the measures discussed were plans to engage banks on cheaper financing for matatu owners, review insurance-related concerns, and introduce regulations targeting digital taxi platforms.

The decision to call off the strike is expected to restore normal transport operations across major towns and cities, especially in Nairobi where commuters had already experienced significant disruptions during recent protests and transport demonstrations.