Public transport chaos hits Nairobi after PSV operators stage go-slow

Hundreds of Nairobi residents were on Monday, 2 February, forced to seek alternative means of transport after a go-slow by public service vehicle (PSV) operators disrupted movement across the city.

While some commuters managed to reach their destinations, many were left stranded, particularly in the early morning hours.

Those who secured transport were compelled to pay fares significantly higher than usual, with operators citing increased demand and reduced vehicle availability.

In several estates, long queues formed as frustrated commuters waited for matatus that never arrived.

The disruption was compounded in parts of the city where matatu operators blocked key roads, triggering lengthy traffic jams.

As a result, many commuters opted to walk long distances or use boda bodas to navigate the gridlock.

Major routes leading to the Central Business District and key residential areas were affected, with police forced to intervene in some instances to restore order.

The go-slow followed mounting tensions within the transport sector over what matatu associations describe as growing impunity on Kenyan roads.

Operators have raised alarm over repeated incidents where vehicles, both public and private, are torched following accidents involving boda bodas.

In recent months, several such incidents have been reported across Nairobi and its environs, fuelling anger among PSV operators and motorists.

The associations argue that the lack of decisive action has emboldened violent behaviour.

Public confusion was further heightened by conflicting statements from transport sector leaders.

On Sunday, a section of PSV operators announced the suspension of the planned Monday strike following a meeting with Nairobi Police Commander George Sedah.

In a notice issued under the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS), stakeholders said dialogue had been prioritised to ease tensions.

Despite the announcement, other transport groups proceeded with the go-slow. Representatives from truck drivers’ associations, sections of PSV operators, and Wasafi boda boda transport publicly backed Monday’s action.

These groups insist that weekly go-slows will continue every Monday until the government takes firm action against violent incidents involving boda boda riders.

According to the associations, dialogue alone will not deter mob justice on the roads.

Transport operators are now calling on the government and security agencies to enforce the law uniformly and protect motorists from attacks.

They warn that failure to act could plunge the city into recurring transport chaos.