The country is bound to face another crisis should matatu operators make good of their threat to down tools after the federation for public transport sector issued a nationwide strike notice and warned the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to stop all unwarranted traffic checks and called on all their members to withdraw their vehicles from the roads. The strike is planned to start on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.

The operators are blaming the regulator for unwarranted compliance checks forcing operators to part with between KShs. 5,000 and KShs. 20,000. The operators further noted that the sector has not fully recovered from the effects of the pandemic, stating that the NTSA crackdown is slowing its comeback process.

The government announced a major countrywide crackdown that started on February 28 and aimed at addressing the challenges leading to increased road carnages and loss of lives. The operation was also meant to promote efficient and sustainable enforcement and increase compliance under provisions of the Traffic Act and PSV Regulations.