By Afrireport 
Long passenger queues were witnessed across Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Monday morning after most matatus stayed off the roads, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and struggling to get to work.
The disruption was felt as early as 5am, with major pick up points recording unusually long lines as commuters waited for the few vehicles operating.
The strike, called by sections of matatu operators, followed mounting complaints over what they termed as harassment by traffic police, rising operational costs and disagreements over new enforcement measures.
Many operators chose to keep their vehicles in garages, paralysing transport along key routes leading into the city.
Along Tom Mboya Street, Ronald Ngala Street, and Kenyatta Avenue, commuters formed long queues, some stretching several metres.
Many reported waiting for more than an hour without success. Others were forced to walk long distances or seek alternative means of transport, including boda bodas and taxis, which charged higher fares due to the surge in demand.
I left home very early hoping to avoid delays, but I’ve been standing here for over an hour,” said a commuter heading to Upper Hill. “Even when a matatu shows up, it is already full.
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Businesses within the CBD also felt the impact, as many workers arrived late or failed to report altogether.
Employers expressed concern over lost productivity, while traders complained of reduced morning foot traffic.
Police officers were deployed in various parts of the city to manage crowds and maintain order at bus stops.
However, their presence did little to ease the transport shortage. County enforcement officers urged calm as discussions between matatu associations and government agencies continued.
By mid morning, a few matatus began resuming operations on selected routes, though the numbers remained significantly low.
Transport officials said efforts were underway to resolve the standoff and restore normal services.
The matatu strike once again highlighted Nairobi’s heavy reliance on public transport and the vulnerability of commuters whenever disruptions occur.
As negotiations continue, many residents remain uncertain about how long the disruption will last, hoping for a swift resolution to ease the daily struggle of moving around the city.
