Public Service Vehicle operators have warned of a nationwide strike starting Monday oppose the enforcement of “Michuki rules” .
Addressing the the media, the Federation’s chairman Edwin Mukabana said that their decision follows the directive given on Friday by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Let Michuki rules be enforced to the fullest, matatu can strike even they so wishes, in fact cycling to town from Kasarani one takes approximately 40mins, with matatus you will use approximately 1hr 10mins.
— Murunga Lilechi ?? ? (@lilechikenya) November 9, 2018
The Federation now says they have written to the Ministry of Transport asking them to clarify on a section of the set requirements adding that they will only return to work after their grievances have been addressed.
In a function attended by Transport James Macharia, PS Karanja Kibicho and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet, Matiang’i said that the crackdown is aimed at restoring sanity on Kenyan roads.
Matiang’i and Macharia have given a grace period of two weeks for all stakeholders to comply with the new rules.
On Monday, Traffic Commandant Samuel Kimaru termed the citywide matatu crackdown that started on Sunday morning as “just” a rehearsal in readiness for the return of the Michuki rules next week.
The traffic boss warned matatu operators who have not met the set requirements to act appropriately or keep their vehicles at home.
The crackdown paralysed transport in many parts of Nairobi forcing commuters to seek other means of transportation.
The rules were named after Mr John Njoroge Michuki, who was the first Transport Minister in the National Rainbow Coalition government.
Many Nairobians who rely on the public transport will suffer as they may be forced to walk to their places of work or since most matatus will be grounded.
Those who will get into the few available matatus will part with up to three times the ordinary fare.