Kenya Transport Strike Collapses Amid Allegations of Backroom Dealings
Nairobi, Kenya — A planned nationwide transport strike in Kenya has been abruptly called off after accusations of secret negotiations between some sector leaders and government officials surfaced. The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has expressed outrage, alleging that a handful of industry players betrayed a united coalition by striking private deals without consulting other stakeholders.
The strike, which had garnered widespread support from truck owners, taxi operators, bus companies, boda boda riders, cargo transporters, and commuter groups, was intended to protest soaring fuel prices and the rising cost of living. According to MAK, the coalition had spent days organizing what could have been one of the largest nationwide protests in recent years. However, the effort was allegedly derailed when some leaders engaged in covert discussions with government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries and the Governor of Nairobi.
“Unfortunately, as has happened before, a few familiar actors went behind the backs of everyone else and held private meetings with government officials,” MAK stated in a strongly worded release. The association claimed these talks violated earlier agreements that required any negotiations with the government to involve the entire alliance rather than individual subsectors acting independently.
The outcome of these discussions has also drawn sharp criticism. While the strike aimed to address a cumulative fuel price increase of up to KSh 76 per litre across diesel, petrol, and kerosene, the resulting agreement only achieved a KSh 10 reduction for diesel. MAK dismissed this outcome as a “surrender” rather than a victory, arguing that it fails to address the broader economic challenges faced by motorists and transport operators.
“They stole our strike. They removed the wind from our wings. They hijacked a people’s movement and sold it for crumbs,” the association lamented, accusing some leaders of exploiting public frustrations for personal gain and media attention.
This incident is not isolated, according to MAK. The association linked the latest developments to past protests over fuel taxation and road levy increases, alleging that the same individuals have repeatedly undermined collective efforts to push for meaningful reforms in Kenya’s transport sector.
The association’s statement emphasized that stakeholders excluded from the negotiations do not recognize the agreement reached with the government and are not bound by its terms. “The transport stakeholders who were excluded from these negotiations categorically reject the deal and the false promises made by those who hijacked this otherwise promising agitation,” the statement read.
MAK’s remarks highlight the growing discontent among ordinary Kenyans, who continue to grapple with high transport costs, rising food prices, and overall increased living expenses. The association accused certain industry actors of using public grievances to advance their own interests, rather than addressing the systemic issues affecting millions.
“This conduct is dishonest, divisive, and deeply disappointing,” the statement concluded. “The common mwananchi deserved better. The transport sector deserved better. Kenya deserved better.”
As the fallout from the failed strike continues, questions remain about the future of collective action in Kenya’s transport sector and whether the grievances of motorists and commuters will be adequately addressed. For now, MAK has vowed to continue advocating for reforms, urging unity and transparency in future negotiations.
— Reported by Nexio News
