The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Sunday, June 25, bowed to the pressure from Matatu owners over its ongoing crackdown on Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
Mt Kenya Matatu Owners Association had instructed all its members to embark on a strike slated for Monday, June 26, that would have paralysed transport services across the country.
The association’s chairman, Michael Kariuki, remarked that a deal had been struck with NTSA necessitating the association to suspend the strike.
NTSA had instituted a road safety compliance audit but matatu owners claimed that it was a ploy to harass drivers.
“We have discussed with authorities both NTSA as well as the police service and agreed that we halt the exercise for now and what was planned for Monday has been postponed.
“We have been assured by the authorities that there will be no operation and if it will be there, there will be prior communication on what is required and what needs to be done,” Kariuki remarked.
Kariuki further stated that before any important action was taken on the transport sector, there was a need to pursue dialogue first.
The calling off of the matatu strike came as a relief to thousands of students who are expected to travel for their mid-term break.
Speaking immediately after the strike was called off, Mataara Sacco Chairman Julius Muritu assured that the matatu sector will adhere to NTSA guidelines.
“We will speak with our drivers so as to adhere to set regulations. We are committed to working with the government on what is required to streamline the sector,” he noted.
On Wednesday, June 21, Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LODDCA) issued a 21-day strike notice over the audit exam.
LODDCA had yet to issue a statement if it would call off its strike following the recent deal between NTSA and matatu associations.
