Kisumu Matatu Operators Choose Dialogue Over Nationwide Strike
The demonstration plans for Kisumu were cancelled after civil society organizations and the county security team which the County Police Commander leads held discussions with the leadership team.
While the strike, led by Matatu Owners Association president Simon Karakacha, proceeds in other regions, local operators say they will pursue dialogue rather than engaging in the strike. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The Matatu operators in Kisumu decided to skip the nationwide strike which aimed to protest against alleged public service vehicle attacks and harassment. Instead, they selected dialogue as their method to interact with main stakeholders.
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) President Simon Karakacha leads a nationwide strike which continues in various regions of the country. The Kisumu operators decided to skip the strike because they believe that the transportation challenges should be solved through direct communication and stakeholder meetings.
Kisumu Matatu Owners Association Chairman Ochieng Omwa revealed that a consultative forum will take place on Thursday February 5. The meeting will bring together matatu and boda boda operators, police officers, transport regulators and road users to discuss recurring conflicts and road safety issues.
Omwa said the decision to avoid demonstrations was informed by the need to address the rising cases of road accidents affecting all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders and passengers. He reported that since the beginning of the year, multiple fatalities occurred on Kenyan roads with pedestrians being the most exposed to danger.
He confirmed that all necessary parties will attend the forum to develop permanent solutions which will decrease road accidents and resolve disputes between different road users. All relevant stakeholders will attend the forum, which includes the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Red Cross and members of the public to find lasting solutions to road carnage and conflicts among road users.
Omwa further assured residents that there will be no traffic disruptions in Kisumu, noting that protests and road blockades will not be tolerated. He praised county police officers for their collaboration with community outreach programs which helped enhance security and maintain order throughout the city.
Omwa claimed that organized discussions will enable both matatu and boda boda operators to settle their disputes which have previously led to violent clashes in certain regions. The demonstration plans for Kisumu were cancelled after civil society organizations and the county security team which the County Police Commander leads held discussions with the leadership team.
He emphasized that the association will continue to work through dialogue while maintaining their commitment to public service. He declared that under his leadership, road closures which disrupt other Kenyans will not take place.
About Author
