PSV Strike Day Two: Sparse Matatus Strand Commuters as Nairobi Roads Remain Vulnerable to Escalation

The nationwide public service vehicle strike continues into its second day on Tuesday. Transport operators maintain their industrial action against high fuel prices, leaving public transport severely limited across the country.

Hundreds of commuters remain stranded in various parts of Nairobi and other areas. A sharp shortage of matatus has been reported since 5am, with only a few vehicles visible early before most drivers completed initial trips and stopped operations.

Private vehicles and motorcycle traffic increased noticeably between 5am and 6:30am as people tried to move ahead of anticipated disruptions. Very few matatus now operate across the city this morning.

Major highway corridors currently show fluid traffic but with abnormally low density. The Ngong Road corridor from Kiserian to Parklands, Mombasa Road from Bellevue to Nairobi CBD, and Eastlands routes including Jogoo Road, Juja Road and Outering Road all remain clear for now.

Security advisories highlight elevated risk. Low traffic volumes make roads vulnerable to sudden blockades, stoning and illegal checkpoints as the morning advances. Protests are expected to intensify, particularly in areas that saw violence yesterday such as Thika/Makongeni, Githurai 45, Kangemi, Kiambu Road and Kitui. Activists may regroup in these flashpoints for retaliatory actions involving barricades using stones or bonfires and forced turning back of vehicles.

Passengers continue to face difficulties in the city centre, with public transport unavailable or extremely limited on routes such as Moi Avenue.

Several schools keep classes suspended today due to the ongoing uncertainty. Super Metro maintains its full suspension for Tuesday.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority adjusted diesel to Ksh.232.86 per litre until June 14 following an earlier review, but operators insist current rates combined with taxes and levies make operations unsustainable.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi defends the fuel pricing and points to the Road Maintenance Levy component. He questions if operators would accept driving on potholed roads without the levy. Talks between government ministries and matatu stakeholders are expected to proceed.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki calls for public calm and patience while the government considers additional measures to protect the economy from further fuel price damage. President William Ruto, currently in Azerbaijan, has directed a high-level team to engage all parties.

In Kisumu the morning situation remains calm with open major roads, smooth traffic and normal business activity despite fewer matatus operating.

Police continue to hold Chief Inspector Dishen Angoya after his arrest today over the alleged unlawful release of 64 protesters. MP Ndindi Nyoro suggests a larger diesel price reduction of around Ksh.54 could help end the standoff.

Commuters receive strong advice to plan movements early, travel only when essential, allow extra time, avoid crowded boarding points and stay alert. Motorists are warned to watch for pedestrian clusters and potential sudden disruptions on clearer roads.

The situation stays fluid this morning with an elevated alert level for possible escalation in identified hotspots. Officials continue to link the price increases primarily to global factors.