Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the government aims to reach an agreement with public transport operators by Friday to address protests over high fuel prices. Talks follow a one-week suspension of strikes by matatu operators and other transporters.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja stated on Wednesday that the government expects to finalize a deal with matatu operators and other transport groups by Friday, May 22. He spoke during a Hot96 interview and expressed confidence that ongoing discussions would succeed without the government losing tax revenue while offering Kenyans relief.
This follows the suspension of protests that began on Monday, May 18, when operators halted services in response to fuel costs. After meetings led by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced a one-week pause in strikes. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority set new prices with super petrol at Ksh214.25 per litre in Nairobi and diesel at Ksh232.86 per litre.
Sakaja also proposed a hard cap on fuel prices to improve predictability. Matatu owners have warned that strikes could resume if commitments are not met, with negotiations continuing toward May 26.