Kenya’s long-distance truck drivers and conductors have called for urgent roundtable talks with President William Ruto to address what they described as a rot in the transport sector.
In a strongly-worded open letter, the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association cited years of government neglect, insecurity, poor working conditions, and systemic pestering in the transport sector as a reason why there was an urgent need for the President's intervention.
"Mr President, the transport sector is the backbone of our economy. Without drivers and conductors, supply chains collapse, goods stall, and the economy grinds to a halt. Yet, despite our contributions, we remain invisible, seen only when tragedies strike or when levies are imposed," the letter said.
"We therefore appeal to your government for the Presidential Drivers’ Roundtable, bringing together Drivers leadership, key ministries, and agencies."
The truck drivers' letter painted a sombre picture of life on Kenyan roads as they decried gruelling work hours, delayed or poor pay and a lack of contracts and job protections.
If the letter is anything to go by, many of the drivers suffer from mental health issues due to heavy workload, stress and constant danger, yet they have no access to care or support systems.
The drivers claim their concerns have been overlooked by the Ministry of Labour, leaving thousands of drivers to operate under 'inhumane conditions' without clear rights or recourse.
State agencies, including the NTSA, KeNHA, and KRA, were also mentioned in the letter, with the drivers accusing them of inefficiencies and rampant graft.
"Despite our central role, no government in Kenya’s history has ever fully recognised our efforts in sustaining and moving the economy. We remain unseen and undervalued, even as we shoulder the risks and sacrifices that keep Kenya connected and regionally competitive," the truck drivers added.
The letter also highlighted routes which the truck drivers flagged as dangerous, including those in North Eastern, Rift Valley, Nyanza and parts of the Coast, where the drivers were subjected to several risks like hijackings and attacks.
Further, the truck drivers also flagged police mistreatment, accusing rogue police officers of routinely extorting money from them using fake charges and arbitrary detentions.
Besides calls for a roundtable meeting with the President, the truck drivers also called on the government to officially establish a National Drivers' Week to recognise and celebrate the role of drivers in Kenya's economy.
“Without drivers and conductors, supply chains collapse, goods stall, and the economy grinds to a halt,” the letter reads. “Yet, despite our contributions, we remain invisible, seen only when tragedy strikes or when levies are imposed," they added.
