Matatu operators threaten nationwide strike effective February 2
By Paulette Mboga, January 28, 2026Matatu operators have threatened to launch a nationwide strike starting Monday, February 2, 2026.
They accuse the government of failing to act on repeated reports of matatus and other vehicles being torched by boda boda riders. The operators say continued attacks on private vehicles and the lack of arrests have left them with no choice but to withdraw their fleets.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) warned that the strike would affect major roads across the country. A representative said the government is supposed to protect all citizens, including those in the transport sector.
“We are asking the government, we know that the government is supposed to protect everyone. They should protect us, as a sector, the transport sector,” the representative said.
MOA stressed that they do not have issues with paying taxes, which they said support the government’s recurrent budget. The main concern, they explained, is the protection of their vehicles.
“We do not have issues with the government, we do not have any issue with paying taxes, the issue we have is protection of our vehicles and that no other vehicle should be torched,” the representative said.
Strike action to begin Monday
Operators warned that if vehicles continue to be torched, there will be serious consequences. They said their action is a demand for government protection.
“If a vehicle is torched, we are going to have a big issue with whoever is doing this. We are just here to demand one thing. On Monday, we shall just shut down the tools. We will make sure that the roads that are maintained by the money we pay with the fuel levy. On Monday, we will make sure that all major roads will be no passing,” the MOA representative said.
The decision to strike comes after a sharp rise in incidents involving boda boda riders burning matatus, private cars, and trucks. Operators say multiple complaints have been lodged with security agencies and transport authorities, but the attacks have continued unabated.
MOA says they have no choice but to act to protect their property. They insist the government must respond to repeated reports and take measures to prevent further destruction.