Chaos hit Nairobi on Monday morning as some matatu operators ignored calls to suspend a planned strike, causing major traffic disruptions across the city.
The operators blocked Outering Road at the Kariobangi Roundabout, bringing traffic to a complete halt.
Reports indicate that Forward Travellers matatu operators parked their vehicles across the busy roundabout, making the road impassable.
Outering Road is a key route linking eastern and northern parts of Nairobi, and its closure left motorists and commuters stranded, with long queues forming along feeder roads.
The strike also caused major traffic jams along other busy roads. Motorists on Thika Road reported long delays, while commuters along Waiyaki Way faced slow movement as matatus blocked lanes heading into the city.
People travelling from Uthiru, Kabete, Kinoo, Nakuru, and even western Kenya experienced significant delays.
In the Central Business District (CBD), buses were seen blocking parts of Tom Mboya Street at the junction with Ronald Ngara Street near the KTDA building.
This area is a major stop for vehicles heading to Umoja, Donholm, and Githurai. Meanwhile, residents coming from Eastlands were reportedly dropped along Jogoo Road, with touts saying SACCOs were preventing matatus from entering the city.
The disruption affected public service vehicles, private cars, and commercial trucks, causing delays for workers, students, and businesses that rely on these routes.
Authorities have advised motorists to avoid the Kariobangi Roundabout and Outering Road until further notice. Commuters are encouraged to use alternative routes, allow extra travel time, and reschedule non-essential trips where possible.
The strike was initially announced on January 28 by matatu operators to protest the alleged torching of their vehicles by boda boda operators.
They accused the government of failing to address attacks on public transport operators. Other drivers, including truckers, had also indicated plans to join the shutdown.
On Sunday, February 1, the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) announced the suspension of the strike to allow dialogue among stakeholders.
The suspension was meant to ease tensions, but some matatu operators ignored the directive, leading to the widespread disruptions seen on Monday morning.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between public transport operators and authorities, and authorities continue to call for dialogue and cooperation to avoid further chaos on Nairobi’s roads.
