No Deal in Fuel Talks: Matatu Strike to Continue Tomorrow Tuesday

Negotiations between the Kenyan government and matatu sector representatives collapsed late Monday without a breakthrough on fuel pricing. The deadlock ensures public transport remains heavily disrupted on Tuesday.

Talks involving Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi ran for hours but produced no final agreement. Matatu officials interrupted a joint briefing to reject claims of progress.

Wandayi announced that diesel prices would be lowered while kerosene prices would rise. The adjustment aims to close the gap that fuels adulteration. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is expected to publish the revised prices shortly.

The government offered a 10-shilling reduction on diesel. Matatu associations pushed for a 46-shilling cut to offset the recent sharp increase. No compromise was reached on the scale of the relief.

Matatu Owners Association President Albert Karagacha instructed operators to keep vehicles off the roads for another day. The directive follows a first day of action that stranded thousands of commuters nationwide.

Businesses reported slowed operations. Schools adjusted schedules in affected areas. Construction sites in urban centres felt the impact as workers struggled to reach job locations and material deliveries faced delays.

Matatus carry the bulk of daily commuters in Nairobi and other major towns. Their absence forces reliance on limited alternatives or long walks. Many in the informal sector, including casual labourers on building projects, lost income.

The dispute centres on the latest fuel price review. Diesel saw a substantial rise of around 46 shillings per litre in the current cycle. Operators argue the costs make operations unsustainable on current fares.

Stakeholders found some common ground on tackling fuel adulteration through price alignment. Yet differences over the extent of immediate reductions blocked a full deal.

Commuters encountered chaos on Monday. Those who found transport paid higher fares. Others waited for hours or abandoned plans altogether. Tuesday promises more of the same unless fresh talks yield results.

The impasse adds strain to Kenya's transport-dependent economy. Movement of people and goods underpins sectors from retail to infrastructure development. Prolonged action risks broader ripple effects.

Government officials indicated pricing would face further review. For now, the matatu sector maintains its position. Vehicles stay parked pending concrete concessions.

Industry voices highlight thin margins for small operators. Fuel forms a large part of daily running costs. Any sustained high prices threaten viability for thousands of vehicles on urban and rural routes.

Talks may resume in coming days. Until then, commuters, businesses, and essential services brace for continued disruption as the country monitors developments.