Nairobi's transport system was thrown into chaos on Friday, August 29, 2025, after protesting matatu operators blocked Ngong Road. The protests that began early on Friday morning caused severe traffic congestion on the busy road, leaving many commuters and drivers stranded.
The operators used their vehicles to block both sides of the road near Prestige Plaza, causing severe traffic jams and forcing pedestrians to walk.
The protest stemmed from matatu operators’ complaints of ongoing harassment by the police.
They demanded a meeting with senior officials from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the police to address their grievances.
Police officers were at the scene, attempting to manage the situation and clear the blocked road.
Drivers were advised to use alternative routes, such as Argwings Kodhek or Riara Road, to avoid long delays.
Officials urged motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution when approaching the affected area.
Images and videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed other vehicles packed on the side of the road.
This incident came just a few days after transport in Nyeri town was also disrupted on August 25, 2025. In that case, PSV drivers and business owners staged protests against their relocation to the new Field Marshal Muthoni Kirima bus terminus.
Matatu operators blocked several roads in the town, paralyzing movement and leaving hundreds of passengers, including schoolchildren, stranded.
The operators marched to the County Commissioner's office to demand his intervention in the ongoing standoff. They argued that being moved would hurt their businesses and livelihoods.
Operations stopped as early as 6 am, with vehicles parked across the town's three main bus parks.
The protest was initially peaceful but later turned violent in some areas. At least three matatu owners reported that their vehicles were damaged, with windscreens smashed while they were trying to carry passengers.
