Nyeri: Residents of Nyeri County had to trek to their various destinations today after PSV operators made true their threat to withdraw services due to the ongoing national strike over fuel costs. All three termini in the town were deserted as PSV matatus kept off the premises in solidarity to the ongoing nationwide strike to protest the high fuel prices. Also affected were school-going children who were forced to skip learning due to lack of means of transport.
According to Kenya News Agency, on Sunday, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) announced it would withdraw public vehicle services countrywide until the Government lowers the cost of fuel. Currently, the cost of Petrol retails at Sh214.25, Diesel at Sh242.92, while Kerosene retails at Sh152.78. Joseph Kamwaro, a 4NTE driver, expressed readiness to resume operations once the State agrees to lower the fuel cost, which he describes as untenable for the sector. He emphasized that unless the prices are reviewed, many PSV operators may be forced to exit the trade.
Joseph Njoroge, a commuter, called for a quick resolution to the fuel crisis, saying today’s strike by PSV operators had greatly inconvenienced his travel plans. He warned that a continued delay in addressing the high fuel costs would only exacerbate the economic challenges facing the country amidst an impending global recession due to the Middle East conflict between the US and Iran.
On his part, NYENA Sacco chairperson Peter Theuri urged a speedy resolution to the fuel impasse to prevent crippling the multibillion industry. Theuri called for a national conversation over the high cost of living and cautioned leaders against politicizing the current economic situation, which he says has made life almost unbearable for Kenyans.
Meanwhile, Kieni MP Wainaina Njoroge is backing calls for the reconvening of Parliament to help address the crisis over rising fuel costs. Njoroge’s statements come days after Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly, urging him to recall lawmakers to discuss ways of addressing the runaway fuel prices in the country. Njoroge called for a non-partisan discussion on the fuel crisis by all relevant stakeholders, insisting that any solution must be beneficial for all Kenyans.
He further urged Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi to explain to Kenyans the fuel situation, warning that continued silence on his part is a reason for the PSV operators’ decision to paralyze commuter transport. Njoroge emphasized the need for an honest and candid discussion on the matter, as it impacts every aspect of life in the country.
