Nairobi woke up to a transport nightmare on Monday morning as a faction of matatu operators defied a suspension order, grounding vehicles and leaving thousands of commuters stranded. Despite the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) calling off the strike late Sunday night, hardliners led by the Inter-Corridor Mobility group proceeded with the boycott, turning major highways into parking lots of stranded passengers.

The chaos was most palpable along Thika Road, Juja Road, and Waiyaki Way. Bus stops were overflowing with desperate commuters, while the few PSVs on the road hiked fares by up to 300%. The strike is a retaliation against a surge in arson attacks on PSVs by boda boda riders and mobs following road accidents. Operators claim the government has failed to protect their investments.

A House Divided

The confusion stems from a deep split in the industry leadership. While the FPTS opted for dialogue after receiving security assurances, Joseph Kagai of the Inter-Corridor Mobility group declared the strike "irreversible." "We cannot negotiate while our vehicles are burning," Kagai told supporters at a charged rally. "The government must feel the pain."

This division has created a dangerous situation on the roads. Reports indicate that "enforcer squads" from the striking faction have been stoning compliant vehicles, forcing many operators to withdraw their fleets out of fear. The police have been deployed to key hotspots, but the damage to the morning economy is already done.

• The Arson Crisis: In January alone, nine vehicles were torched in broad daylight. The operators are demanding the arrest of perpetrators and a guarantee of safety from the Interior Ministry.
• Commuter Misery: With the boda boda sector also threatening to join the fray in solidarity with their own grievances, the "last mile" connectivity has collapsed, forcing many Nairobians to trek kilometers to work.

Government Silence?

Commuters are directing their anger at the Ministry of Transport for allowing the situation to deteriorate. The paralysis of the capital’s transport system is a major blow to the economy, estimated to cost billions if it persists.

As the standoff continues, the ordinary wananchi are paying the price. The strike has exposed the fragility of Nairobi’s public transport system and the volatile relationship between the different players on the road. Until the government guarantees safety, the wheels of the matatu sector will remain dangerously still.