The national government and public transport sector stakeholders have called off the nationwide strike over the soaring cost of petroleum products, offering temporary relief to commuters and businesses across the country.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Kipchumba Murkomen said the government and transport sector stakeholders had agreed to suspend the strike for one week to allow room for high-level negotiations.
Murkomen said the parties resolved to reconvene on Tuesday, May 26, after further consultations aimed at addressing concerns raised by operators in the transport sector.
“There was need for negotiations between the government and stakeholders at a high level within one week. We have therefore resolved to suspend the strike until we meet again for further negotiations,” said Murkomen.
The Interior CS noted that the government was fully aware of the burden Kenyans were facing due to the high cost of living and rising fuel prices.
He said the government had already taken several measures to cushion citizens, including reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products by eight percent last month and using the Petroleum Development Levy to stabilize fuel prices.
Murkomen further revealed that the government on Monday, May 18, reduced the price of diesel by KSh10 per litre and adjusted the pricing of kerosene and diesel to curb fuel adulteration.
According to the CS, transport stakeholders had demanded a further reduction of KSh46 per litre despite the recent diesel price cut, prompting both sides to agree on fresh negotiations within the next seven days.
Transport sector leaders also distanced themselves from incidents of looting and destruction of business premises reported in several towns during Monday’s demonstrations.
The stakeholders said, although they were not fully satisfied with the current agreement, they had opted to give the government an opportunity to resolve challenges affecting the transport industry.
They urged Kenyans to continue with their normal activities as talks continue.
Albert Karakacha, Matatu Owners Association chairman, said the sector had agreed to form a committee to address persistent challenges facing matatu operators.
Karakacha cited insurance costs, traffic-related issues and corruption as some of the major problems crippling the matatu business, adding that the sector would work closely with the Ministry of Transport to find lasting solutions.
