Why Matatu Operators Cancelled Planned Strike Last Minute
Karakacha also denied claims that the planned strike was set up alongside that of the Azimio la Umoja nationwide protests
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UPDATE: A number of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators downed their tools in protest over the high cost of fuel and the mandatory driver testing despite its suspension by Transport CS, Kipchumba Murkomen.
In some parts of the country such as Nairobi and Western Kenya, PSV operators removed their vehicles from the road with fears over the effects of the planned Azimio demonstrations. Some drivers demanded that the mandatory retesting be abolished completely.
The Matatu Owners Association, on Tuesday, July 11 revealed that their vehicles would continue operating as normal after Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen suspended the mandatory re-testing of Public Service Vehicles (PSV) until September 1, 2023.
Speaking to the media, MOA boss Albert Karakacha stated that following Murkomen's intervention, the matatu owners would not go ahead with the planned strike that was set for Wednesday, July 12.
Karakacha also denied claims that the planned strike was set up alongside that of the Azimio la Umoja nationwide protests, adding that they took action on their own volition.
"We are business people, and we will not strike. We are business people, and cannot be involved in matters we do not know," Karakacha stated.
Kipchumba Murkomen appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. /BUSINESS DAILY
Some towns across the country had registered low matatu activity, with streets in Kisumu remaining clear save for boda boda riders with a few passengers to ferry as of July 12 morning.
Additionally, the Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers and Allied Workers Union (KLDAWU), through its chairman Hassan Abdalla also confirmed that it directed its truck drivers to return to the roads following Murkomen's directive.
"We have been heard and we have decided to return to work because they have listened to our demands. The discussions will take place in the coming month," read the statement in part.
Murkomen had explained that the suspension was a result of the formation of a multi-agency committee which will review grievances raised by PSV drivers and conductors.
"Towards this end, the Ministry and the stakeholders have agreed on the formation of a multi-agency committee that will among others review the grievances raised by the drivers and conductors, a copy of which has been submitted to my office today 11th July 2023 at 3.00 pm.
"We have agreed as well that they shall submit the names of the officials representing ALL the industry players by 1st August 2023. The exercise will take 14 days and the report with recommendations submitted for further decision-making," read the statement in part.
To allow the committee time to address the concerns, the re-testing of drivers was suspended with immediate effect.
Driver Retesting Process
Effective June 1, the drivers are to go for a retest as a prerequisite for the renewal of their driving license at a driving school of their choice. The re-test fee was set at Ksh1,050 and shall be conducted at NTSA Driver Test Units.
The results of the re-test are uploaded and verified through the driver’s account within 24 hours of administration. It affects motorists licensed to drive for class endorsements B3, D1, D2, D3, C, C1, CE, and CD.
The CS noted that the Ministry of Transport decided to adopt the retesting of drivers to cut down on the rising number of road traffic fatalities in the country which had increased annually from 2017 to 2022.
In 2017, 2,919 fatalities were recorded as opposed to 2022's statistics which included 4,690. In 2023, the current data stands at 2,318 fatalities.
