Public Transport Paralysed as Matatus Block Nairobi CBD Roads Over Boda Boda Attacks

Commuters were stranded on Monday, February 2, after matatu operators kept their vehicles off the roads, paralysing public transport in Nairobi.

Major roads leading to the Central Business District were blocked, bringing traffic to a standstill. Affected routes included Thika Super Highway, Waiyaki Way and Outering Road.

Photos and videos seen by The Hourly News Wave showed long queues at bus stops across several estates as stranded commuters waited for alternative transport. Many were forced to walk long distances, while others relied on boda bodas and taxi-hailing services to get to work.

Police officers were deployed to the Nairobi CBD to manage traffic and restore order amid the disruption caused by the strike.

The matatu operators had earlier announced a nationwide strike on Wednesday, January 28, citing persistent attacks and the torching of their vehicles by boda boda operators.

They accused the government of failing to protect them despite the transport sector’s significant contribution to national revenue through taxes and fuel levies, warning that no vehicles would resume operations until decisive action was taken.

“We are asking the government because it is supposed to protect everybody. We want protection as the transport sector because we are taxpayers who contribute to the national budget,” a representative of the operators said.

Tensions have continued to rise following several violent incidents in which minibuses were set ablaze, with no arrests or official action reported against those responsible.

The strike came even as the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) announced it had suspended the planned matatu strike to allow dialogue among stakeholders.

“Following consultations between representatives of boda boda operators, PSV operators and security agencies, it was agreed that the matatu strike scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, be suspended to give dialogue a chance,” FPTS said.