The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) on Sunday announced that it had called off its planned strike scheduled to start on Monday, August 26.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke in a phone interview, Brendan Marshall an official at the Association, said that the body had resolved to suspend the strike following fruitful discussions with government representatives led by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.
According to Marshall, the Association agreed to call off the strike to avert a transport paralysis that would have made it difficult for students to get to their respective learning institutions as schools open for third term.
The official further revealed that the government also committed to address their grievances in a way which left officials MOA satisfied that their concerns would be addressed adequately over the long term.
"We had a fruitful engagement with government representatives today and we came out satisfied with the commitments the government fronted to address the issues that we raised. Therefore, the strike was called off," Marshall stated.
The Association wanted the government to address various issues including suspending the decision to increase the Road Maintenance Levy (RMF) by Ksh7.
MOA also wanted the government to enforce tighter regulation of insurance companies claiming that the companies have been abusing their power and exploiting players in the matatu sector.
Specifically, the association want insurance companies to fully cover victims, prevent vehicle seizures to cover victim awards, as well require insurance companies under receivership to service all liabilities and victim awards.
The Association also wants the government to set up a body to insure Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
Officials at MOA also want the National Traffic Safety Authority (NTSA) streamlined to ensure harmony between matatu owners and the agency responsible for road safety.
Corruption and harassment by police officers was a thorny issue that the matatu owners want looked into.
The Association has warned that should the government fail to find workable solutions to their grievances, they will revert to a strike.
Previously, the Matatu Movement Kenya also called off their planned strike after a meeting with the government.
