Matatu operators have been urged to embrace dialogue in solving disputes instead of resorting to protests.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)
expressed concern following the move by operators to block major roads
in and outside Nairobi on Wednesday to protest new parking levies
introduced by Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero.
The protest, which caught many Kenyans by
surprise, saw Nairobi residents walk to work while others had their
vehicles damaged by rowdy youth during the protest.
“As the body responsible for management of public
transport in Kenya, we are concerned with the inconvenience the protest
is causing innocent commuters who are not party to the dispute,” said
NTSA director General Francis Meja.
“We wish to advice all parties involved to embrace
dialogue and consultation whenever they have grievances instead of
resorting to protests which end up inconveniencing innocent commuters
and the general public,” added the authority official in a statements
sent to newsrooms Thursday.
Mr Meja said the authority initiated discussions
with the County Government of Nairobi and the concerned transport
operators following the protests.
“Arising from the discussions, it was agreed that
the protesting vehicle operators should remove the vehicles that they
had used to block roads and observe the law,” he said.
He added the operators were also asked to resume operations immediately awaiting further discussions between them and Dr Kidero.
Meanwhile, Transport Cabinet Secretary Engineer
Michael Kamau has vowed that stern action would be taken against matatu
operators who blocked roads in Nairobi to protest increased parking
levies. (NMG)
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