Nairobi – Commuters within the Nairobi Central Business District have been forced to seek an alternative means of transport after irate Matatu operators stormed various Bus termini within the city paralysing transportation.
Matatu operators used their vehicles to block the busy roads, while others roughed up passengers out of Public Service Vehicles operating within the CBD.
At Kencom and Ambassador Bus termini, passengers were forced out of the buses belonging to KBS and City Hopper bus companies while their drivers were threatened and urged to stay away from the vehicles.
Taxi drivers and Boda Boda operators were not left out either as they were forced to flee from the irate youths who threatened to stone their vehicles if they did not take part in the strike.
The matatu operators said that they would remain on strike until the County government of Nairobi reviews the rate of parking fee being imposed on them.
“We are not going to be fleeced even the little money we earn by the county government. Charging us Sh8,000 from the normal Sh3,000 per month as parking fee is just unrealistic” said Kinuthia Njage, a matatu operator.
Kinuthia further noted that the county government had introduced punitive by-laws against matatu operators which they found difficult to comply with.
“We are supposed to pay Sh8,000 per month and we spend only 10 minutes within the bus terminus while picking passenger or attract a fine if you extend your stay” he added.
The Matatu operators are also infuriated by the county government’s move to increase parking fee for their vehicles, when there is not enough space to accommodate their vehicles.
“We are surprised that the city council is increasing the parking fee yet there is no space to park our vehicles. Let them create space first and then they can start charging us for parking space” said Alex Kamau , a taxi driver.
The striking matatu operators marched to city hall to seek avenue with Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero after they spotted him heading to his office on foot.
Kidero urged the Matatu operators to return to work assuring them that the issue was going to be ironed out soon after he meets with the county officials.