Sakaja seeks loan amnesty for transport sector operators as strike ends

Relief swept across the country after a looming nationwide matatu strike was called off following high-level talks involving government officials, transport stakeholders and security agencies.

The breakthrough came after negotiations between stakeholders and the Transport, Energy and interior cabinet secretaries, with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja stepping in as guarantor to ensure all parties commit to resolving fuel-related concerns.

The agreement paved the way for public transport operators to resume normal operations after disruptions that had paralysed movement, stranded passengers and disrupted businesses.

Speaking after the talks, Sakaja said the crisis had inflicted pain on ordinary Kenyans, with schools, businesses and essential services heavily affected.

“We know people are suffering. Children have not gone to school, farm produce is stuck, the sick are stranded and businesses have been closed. I want to assure you that we have found a way forward after deliberations,” he said.

The governor also made a direct appeal to financial institutions, urging them to show leniency to investors in the public transport sector who are grappling with mounting economic pressure.

Sakaja warned against aggressive loan recovery measures, saying many operators were already overwhelmed by rising operational costs linked to the fuel crisis.

“To financial institutions, we are in very extraordinary times. The crisis is global; let’s not take it out on our people. People are struggling, let’s not auction them. Let’s go back to work as we negotiate so that we get a solution and address the issues at hand, as their guarantor in this negotiation,” he added.

His remarks come as transport investors continue to face growing financial strain, with operators hoping ongoing negotiations will yield broader relief measures to cushion the sector.