Matatu operators on Saturday, March 9, have threatened to go on strike over the lack of inclusion in the city upgrade programme by the Nairobi City County.
According to the matatu operators, the fresh tarmacking done on different city terminus has immensely affected their services.
The dates they plan to go on strike have, at the time of publishing, not been confirmed. However, Nairobi residents are advised to take necessary caution over the coming days.
They noted the renovation of the city walkways happened without notice and that they cannot relocate to other termini.
“Matatu operators have cited impunity and violation being carried out by the county govt without regard to constitutional requirements,” noted matatu operators.
The project, they say has been happening along Tom Mboya street, along the Rover Road, Latema Road, and Accra Road.
The matatu owners demanded the immediate halt of the renovations of the above roads, stating that the mentioned roads are critical in their operations.
“There are creations of flowers and barricading of roads that we normally undertake our business and that is the bone of contention,” the operators stated.
On February 17, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced a Ksh8.7 billion deal with the US government aimed at undertaking infrastructural projects within the county including the construction of city walkways.
Sakaja noted that the county government would partner with the Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC), which acts on behalf of the US government in the mega project.
"The program spans transport and Land Use Development Planning for the City of Nairobi, walkways and cycle paths, Bus Rapid Transit financing, and commuter and pedestrian connectivity," Sakaja noted.
"On its successful completion, the program will give way to a much more intensive compact program for the City," read the statement in part," he added.
