Public transport in Nairobi faced another major disruption on Monday morning after matatu operators went back on strike, despite earlier saying they would pause their protests for two weeks.
The sudden move caught many city residents off guard and caused widespread transport problems across several routes.
From early morning hours, many public service vehicles did not report to work. As a result, thousands of commuters were left without reliable transport and struggled to find any available vehicles.
The few matatus that were operating were quickly overwhelmed by large crowds, leading to long waiting lines and pushing at boarding points.
The strike is linked to growing tension between matatu crews and some boda boda riders.
Matatu operators claim that certain motorcycle riders have been involved in violent incidents after road accidents, including burning vehicles and assaulting drivers and conductors.
They say these attacks have continued without firm consequences, putting both workers and passengers at risk.
Over the weekend, matatu industry leaders had indicated they would hold off on protests after holding talks with police and other government representatives.
During those discussions, security officials reportedly promised to pursue suspects involved in earlier attacks and improve protection for public transport workers.
That announcement created temporary relief among regular commuters who expected normal operations to resume.
However, by Monday morning, the situation had changed. Many operators chose not to put their vehicles on the road, saying they were not yet satisfied that enough concrete action had been taken.
Some industry representatives warned that if another vehicle is attacked or destroyed, they will respond with even stronger measures.
Across the central business district, the effects showed quickly. Passenger pickup areas filled up before sunrise. People heading to work, school, and business formed long queues that moved very slowly.
Every time a matatu approached, groups rushed forward trying to secure a seat. In several places, the pushing and scrambling nearly turned into dangerous crush situations.
Locations that normally handle large passenger numbers, including major downtown stages and terminals — became overcrowded within a short time.
With so few vehicles available, each arriving matatu filled instantly and left many behind. Some commuters decided not to wait any longer and chose to walk long distances instead.
Others turned to taxi and ride-hailing apps, even though prices were much higher than normal fares.
Traffic conditions on the main roads leading into the city also worsened. Key highways and feeder roads experienced heavy congestion because the reduced number of public vehicles slowed the overall flow.
The matatus that were running took much longer to complete trips, which further reduced how often they could return for more passengers. That delay created a ripple effect, increasing the number of stranded people at various stops.
The shortage of vehicles also created an opportunity for fare exploitation. Reports from multiple routes showed that some operators raised ticket prices sharply.
Passengers already stressed by delays were forced to pay more than the usual cost just to reach their destinations. This added financial pressure on workers and students who depend on affordable daily transport.
Matatu crews argue that their action is meant to push authorities to act decisively against criminal behavior targeting their sector.
They say without visible arrests and prosecutions, promises alone are not enough. According to their position, safety must come first before normal service can fully continue.
Commuters, on the other hand, are stuck in the middle of the dispute. Many expressed frustration at the repeated service shutdowns, pointing out that they disrupt incomes, school schedules, and essential business activities.
Last week saw a similar stoppage that forced many people to walk for hours, and there is growing concern that repeated strikes could become a pattern.
Despite the morning paralysis, some transport stakeholders suggested the situation might gradually improve later in the day if more vehicles return to service, as happened during the previous protest.
Still, without a firm and trusted agreement between operators and security agencies, the risk of further disruptions remains high.
Bottom line: the conflict between matatu operators, boda boda groups, and enforcement agencies is no longer a small sector dispute — it is now directly affecting the daily movement of the city.
Until enforcement becomes visible and consistent, expect more instability in Nairobi’s public transport system.
