Police in Nairobi intensified enforcement operations on Monday after several matatus were found blocking major roads in the Central Business District (CBD) during a nationwide strike that disrupted transport and business activities across the country.
Traffic police officers, working alongside Nairobi City County enforcement teams, moved swiftly to clear key arteries within the CBD after public service vehicles (PSVs) parked haphazardly, causing massive traffic snarl-ups. As part of the crackdown, officers confiscated registration plates from offending matatus, citing obstruction of traffic and violation of traffic regulations.
CBD Paralysed as Strike Takes Effect
The nationwide strike, which affected multiple sectors, saw thousands of commuters stranded as transport services slowed down or came to a halt. In Nairobi, the situation was worsened by matatus blocking entry and exit points around major routes, including areas near Tom Mboya Street, Kenyatta Avenue, and Moi Avenue.
Commuters were forced to walk long distances, while motorists experienced hours-long delays as traffic built up across the city centre. Businesses within the CBD also reported reduced activity as employees struggled to access workplaces.
Police: No Room for Lawlessness
Police officials stated that while they respect the right to protest and strike, traffic laws must still be observed. Blocking roads and causing unnecessary disruption, they said, would not be tolerated.
“Confiscation of number plates is part of standard enforcement procedures for vehicles found obstructing traffic. We will continue these operations until order is restored,” a senior traffic officer said.
Authorities urged matatu operators to cooperate with law enforcement and follow designated pick-up and drop-off points, even during periods of unrest or industrial action.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The police action sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans. Some commuters welcomed the move, saying matatu operators often take advantage of tense situations to flout the law. Others argued that the transport sector was under immense pressure due to the strike and called for dialogue rather than punitive measures.
Matatu associations, on the other hand, blamed poor coordination and lack of clear communication on traffic management during the strike, insisting that drivers were reacting to congestion rather than intentionally blocking roads.
What Next?
With the strike expected to continue, police have warned that enforcement operations will remain active in the CBD and other major towns. Motorists and PSV operators have been advised to plan alternative routes and comply with traffic regulations to avoid penalties.
As Nairobi grapples with the ripple effects of the nationwide strike, commuters remain hopeful for a swift resolution that will restore normal transport services and ease pressure on the city’s already strained road network.
