The matatu sector has, for the longest time, been characterized by chaos and confusion. Overlapping, obstruction of traffic and careless driving are but some of the menaces, on our roads, associated with matatus. The new traffic laws are long overdue, and some degree of order needs to be restored our roads.

There, I said it.

The unfortunate reality is a section of players in the matatu industry have downed their tools in protest of the new legislation. Apparently fines tied to traffic offences are too high. What began as a strike has turned into clear violation of the law, as private car owners who decide to assist stranded commuters are being stoned, and robbed, by some of the striking matatu operators. Also, matatu operators who have refused to go on strike, are being harassed by striking touts. Police have been forced to man all stages in Rongai and in different parts of the country in attempts to maintain law and order.

One question looms, is the matatu strike worth the trouble? The government maintains that it won’t bow to touts demands with the public more or less appearing to be in support of the government’s decision. Is there any winning  from this?

The biggest casualties of the strike are commuters who depend on public transportation. The few operating Public Service Vehicles (PSV) have hiked fares due to the increased demand for their services. Commuters on Friday evening were forced to pay KES 100 for transport from the CBD to Wanye, a rout that would at most cost no more than KES 60 during peak hours. Fare this morning from Prestige shopping mall to Kwangware was KES 50, a rise of KES 30 from the usual KES 20 charged for that distance. Even international commuters from the Republic of Rongai were affected, paying KES 500 to town this morning.

There is then the risk of being attack and robbed by hooligans who have joined striking matatu crew. Commuters who sought lifts from private vehicles are being attacked and robbed of their valuables. The worst hit areas were Ronald Ngala, Tom Mboya and River Road where striking touts set upon motorists and their passengers and robbed them during the demonstration.

The dream of most matatu owners is to eventually own a fleet of matatu’s. The reality is most matatu owners depend on loans to buy these matatus. Servicing these loans would mainly depend on revenue generated by the matatu. Considering the fact that most matatus are sitting somewhere idol due to the strike ability of most matatu owners to service their loans is hampered. Sending matatus to the street at such a time comes with the risk of your vehicle being stoned or torched.

Now looking at the fact that most matatu operators, i.e. drivers and conductors, are paid on a daily basis the longer the strike continues, the longer some matatu operators will go without pay. They too stand to lose from the strike.

At the end of the day this strike is an un-necessary inconvenience. If you want to avoid paying hefty fines for traffic offenses then stick to the book, there’s no way around it.