Piece by: LUCY MUMBI

12 July 2023

• A spot check by Mpasho on Wednesday showed there was no traffic on major roads and there were fewer matatus.

• In Westlands, few matatus and private cars were seen on the roads as some of Nairobi residents chose to stay at home.

It's not business as usual on the roads as some Matatus shun normal operations.

A spot check by Mpasho on Wednesday showed there was no traffic on major roads and there were fewer matatus. Most shops in the Nairobi Central Business District remained closed.

In Westlands, few matatus and private cars were seen on the roads as some of Nairobi residents chose to stay at home.

It is not clear whether residents are staying away due to expected demos by Azimio la Umoja.

A resident who resides along Thika Road revealed it took her 35 minutes to get to Nairobi Central Business District, unlike the other days.

“I left home at around 6:00 am and by 6:35 am I was in town. The other days I usually take an hour due to heavy traffic on the highway,” she said.

However, according to Matatu Owners Association Chairman Albert Karakacha, their matatus were operating as usual.

"We are businessmen, not politicians. We did not issue any strike notice, so our matatus are operating," Karakacha said.

Last Week, Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) threatened to go on strike on July 12, if the directive by the National Transport and Safety Authority on mandatory re-testing of drivers is not withdrawn.

A spot check by the Star revealed that along Nairobi-Nakuru Highway Long Distance Drivers had parked their trailers beside the road.

This is despite Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen suspending the re-testing of public service vehicle drivers and their commercial service counterparts until September 1.

In a statement, he said, the suspension will allow the multi-agency committee responsible to address concerns raised by drivers.

"Towards this end, the ministry and stakeholders have agreed on the formation of a multi-agency that will among others review the grievances raised by the drivers and conductors," Murkomen said.

Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance coalition is expected to hold demonstrations over the high cost of living.

Party leader Raila Odinga said they will not stop until they are heard.

He said the demonstrations in Nairobi will be preceded by a rally at Kamukunji grounds.